Q. If I have a choice to be treated by a Jewish non-believer (apikores) medic or a religious Catholic one, which one should I choose?
A. Talmud Avoda Zara (27b) considers the permissibility of being cured by an idolater medic.
Poskim disagree on the Halachic status of Catholics and our relationship to them. Rema (O.H. 156: 1) rules that Gentiles unlike Jews, who believe and serve G-d, are not proscribed from serving at the same time other gods, since they are not prohibited in believing in "shituf " or the partnership of the Almighty with other so called deities. Therefore, they are not considered idolaters and one may become a partner with him. See similar in Tosafos (Bechoros 2b), Chavas Yair (1: 185), Meil Tzedaka (22), Pri Megadim (Y.D. 65), Shaar Efraim (38), and others. Beis Sheorim (Y.D. 229) permits to pray for a Gentile since he is not ordained on shituf.
However, Noda Beyehuda (2: Y.D. 148), Chasam Sofer (Hag. O.H. 156), and others differ.
Moriah (108: p. 142, 143) presents two teshuvos from Horav E. M. Shach zt'l, and Horav Y Zilberstein Shlit'a regarding the different aspects in choosing medical treatment from Jewish and non-Jewish physicians.
It is said in the name of the Spinker Rebbe zt'l that he would mention that his forefathers, the Imrei Yosef and the Chakal Yitzchok would recommend the Gentile religious medic, as he is more prone to have a greater sense of responsibility and conscience than an agnostic and apikores doctor.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there are many factors and variables to consider, such as who is the greater expert, the medical facilities involved and if one may have influence on the Jewish physician to bring him close to Torah and mitzvos.
Therefore, one should consult with a competent Rov more familiar with the details of the case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
