Category: Science and Health

Two new Israeli studies found that the contribution of well-trained medical clowns goes far beyond just creating a good mood for patients. According to researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Israel Center for Medical Simulation (MSR), “medical clowns help not only the hospitalized but also parents, the medical team and the achievement of […]

Today, we start chapter 11, the final chapter of Tractate Nedarim. We continue the discussion of women’s vows that can be nullified by their fathers or husbands (or, in the case of a betrothed woman, both). Numbers 30:14 singles out a specific type of vow that husbands have the right to revoke: Every vow and every sworn obligation of […]

During the winter season, when the house is closed and less ventilated, we often notice mold stains that accumulate on the walls, furniture, toys and even in the wardrobes and on the clothes themselves. Why does this happen? Most often the mold is formed and spreads due to the high levels of humidity that accumulate […]

Having high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. However, a change in dietary habits can contribute to lowering bad cholesterol levels without medication. Eat foods rich in soluble fiber Soluble fiber is found in large quantities in beans, legumes, whole grains, flaxseed, apples and citrus fruits.  These fibers pass […]

This week we begin reading the Book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Jewish liberation from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of a covenant with God. The story is often told in a linear fashion, moving from darkness to light, from servitude to salvation. But the Hasidic master Rabbi Mordechai Leiner of Izbica […]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment and blindness in older people around the world – with an incidence of 30% over the age of 70, 40% over the age of 80 and 50% of people over the age of 90 affected by some form of AMD. Now, a Canadian study […]

Whatever kind of relationship we’re in, many of us tend to naturally gravitate towards defined roles. In a marriage, for example, one partner might love cooking, the other cleaning. One might do home repairs, while the other is the social organizer. As a result, when we lose a loved one, we may be thrust into […]

A recently released Health Ministry report showed an increase of practitioners in most types of healthcare in the past decade, however, only 38% of licenses to practice were awarded to graduates of local educational institutions. Almost half the licenses went to Israelis who attended faculties abroad, and 13% to new immigrants. The report, titled “Manpower […]

There are two books of the Hebrew Bible set entirely in diaspora: Esther and Daniel. In both books, the Jews face an existential threat from hostile foreign authorities. In both books, a few select Jews who have been noticed by authorities for their wit and beauty adopt non-Jewish names (Hadassah becomes Esther, Daniel becomes Belshazzar) […]

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have mapped the cellular changes linked to endometriosis to help improve therapeutic options for the millions of women affected by the disease. The study was published Monday in the peer reviewed journal Nature Genetics. About 1 in 10 women are plagued by the condition, which occurs when cells similar to those lining […]