Is Alternative Healing Kosher

“There is great confusion in our community concerning the propriety of alternative medical treatments…due to unfamiliarity with the origins of these treatments and unawareness of the consequent major halachic concerns…. Rabbi Kaganoff’s work is an immeasurable contribution that unravels this confusion and gives us clear direction."

Rav Reuven Feinstein

A general term, “alternative medicine” holds different meanings for different people. While many people avail themselves of these alternatives, it is important to know that some are kosher, some are treif, and most are a combination of the two.

By delving into this complex topic, Is Alternative Healing Kosher? provides an in-depth analysis of the halachic sources and explains how they apply to medical practices available today.

• What are kosher medical treatments according to the Rishonim, the Shulchan Aruch, and the poskim?
• What are facts? What are old wives’ tales? What is a segulah?
• What is science? Is there kosher science? What is teva?
• Are spiritual treatments still applicable today?
• What level of corroboration is necessary to permit a specific treatment?

About the author:

Rabbi Kaganoff is a rav and baal horaah for forty-five years. A close talmid for many years of the Novominsker Rebbe, zt”l, he received semichah from Rav Yosef Breuer, zt”l, Rav Shimon Schwab, zt”l, and the Novominsker Rebbe, zt”l. Besides shimush from the dayanim of Washington Heights, he also received shimush from Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, and yibadel l’chaim, Rav Dovid Cohen, shlita. He received training in practical rabbinics from Rav Shlomo Rottenberg, zt”l, Rav Avraham Shia Twerski, MD, zt”l, and yibadel l’chaim, Rav Berel Wein, shlita.

Rabbi Kaganoff’s eclectic approach combines deep analysis and a quest for truth with a commitment to halachah and hashkafah that reflects the values of his forebears and teachers.