Yoma Chart #18
Chart for Yoma Daf 83a
WHEN MAY A "CHOLEH" EAT ON YOM KIPUR?
| (A) THE CHOLEH SAYS HE NEEDS TO EAT |
(B) THE CHOLEH SAYS HE DOES NOT NEED TO EAT |
||
| 1 | WHEN THERE ARE NO MEDICAL EXPERTS |
He may eat | He may not eat |
| 2 | ONE DOCTOR OPPOSES THE CHOLEH |
He may eat (1) | He may eat (2) |
| 3 | ONE DOCTOR OPPOSES THE CHOLEH, AND ONE DOCTOR SUPPORTS HIM |
He may eat | He may not eat (6) |
| 4 | TWO DOCTORS OR MORE OPPOSE THE CHOLEH |
Machlokes (3) | He may eat (2) |
| 5 | TWO DOCTORS OPPOSE THE CHOLEH, AND ONE DOCTOR SUPPORTS HIM |
He may eat (4) | He may eat (4) |
| 6 | TWO DOCTORS OPPOSE THE CHOLEH, AND TWO OR MORE SUPPORT HIM |
He may eat (5) | He may eat (5) |
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FOOTNOTES:
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(1) The reason is because "the heart knows its own bitterness" (Mishlei 14:10), as Rav Yanai says.
(2) The reason the Choleh's opinion is disregarded is because perhaps, as a result of his illness, he has been overcome by "Tunba" (Rashi: delirium).
(3) According to the unidentified opinion of the Gemara at the beginning of the Sugya (which may be the opinion of Rav Yanai), the Choleh may not eat. According to Mar bar Rav Ashi, he may eat. Mar bar Rav Ashi holds that the logic of "the heart knows its own bitterness" applies even against the opinion of two or more doctors.
(4) The reason is because of the principle "Safek Nefashos l'Hakel." This principle applies here because there is an equal number of opinions for both sides (ROSH).
(5) The reason is because when it comes to a possible mortal danger, we do not follow the majority of medical opinions, and two opinions are put on an equal basis with even 100 dissenting opinions. (This appears to be our Gemara's conclusion. However, according to the SHE'ILTOS (cited by the ROSH, 8:13) and RASHI (84b, DH Al Pi Nashim), Mar bar Rav Ashi argues with this view and maintains that we do follow the majority opinion in such a case - - see Insights to 84b.)
(6) ROSH 8:13. This may be learned by inference from the Mishnah, according to Rebbi Yanai. (Although the Mishnah is discussing when two doctors support the Choleh and say that he should not eat, according to the Gemara's conclusion, nevertheless the same should apply if one doctor supports him, since the Choleh with the doctor saying not to feed him override the doctor that says to feed him.)