Handwritten letter by the gaon Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv to the manager of the Bikkur Cholim hospital, Mr. Yosef Cohen, 2 Tammuz 1985.
Important letter in which Rabbi Elyashiv responds to an inquiry from Mr. Yosef Cohen on the topic of whether it is permissible to use placentas to prepare medicines. Rabbi Elyashiv writes that one should be concerned about making medicines from placentas due to the fact that if it is permitted, they will be used after abortions as well, and this is prohibited. He brings a proof from the gemara: “they are buried in the ground to give a guarantee in the land” and he quotes the Pnei Moshe commentary there: “that is, as a pledge and sign that it will return to its essence,” and he determines: “The Jewish custom is to bury placentas in the ground.”
[1] leaf official paper. 17×21 cm. Fold mark, fine condition.