Taking Advil on Tisha B’Av for Severe Cramps or a Migraine

July 30, 2020

Question

Can someone take Advil on Tisha B’Av for severe cramps or a migraine?

Answer

Yes, one can take Advil on Tisha B’Av for severe cramps or a migraine.

Sources

The Shulchan Aruch rules that a sick person who needs to eat on Tisha B’Av is given food right away, without any need for assessment, because “in a place of sickness the Rabbis did not decree” the fast. The Rema adds that the custom is to fast as long as there is no great pain, but “one who is lenient does not lose.” The Mishnah Berurah explains that this applies to someone who is weak and feels ill in his body, even when there is no danger. If such a person may actually eat, then someone suffering severe cramps or a migraine may certainly swallow a pill like Advil.

Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 554:6 — a sick person who needs to eat is fed immediately on Tisha B’Av, since the Rabbis did not decree the fast in a case of illness; Rema: one who is lenient does not lose
Mishnah Berurah 554:11 — this applies to one who is weak and feels ill, even if there is no danger

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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