Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
In this chapter, the Rambam teaches us a fundamental principle of avodas Hashem: keeping the body healthy and strong is not a secular pursuit, but a holy path to knowing the Creator. Since a person cannot properly understand or serve Hashem when he is ill, maintaining one's physical well-being is a direct fulfillment of Hashem's will.
To guide us in this essential avodah, the Rambam lays out practical, daily guidelines for eating, drinking, sleeping, and physical exertion. He teaches us how to master our physical desires, showing that true strength lies in eating only when hungry, stopping before we are full, and engaging in healthy habits that keep the body pure and ready for Torah study.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
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שְׁמִירַת בְּרִיאוּת הַגּוּף כְּחֵלֶק מֵעֲבוֹדַת הַשֵּׁםHalacha 1 · Maintaining a Healthy Body as Part of Serving Hashem
הוֹאִילSinceוֶהֱיוֹתand beingהַגּוּףthe bodyבָּרִיאhealthyוְשָׁלֵםand wholeמִדַּרְכֵיfrom the ways ofהַשֵּׁםHashemהוּא.it isשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdאִיimpossibleאֶפְשָׁרit isשֶׁיָּבִיןthat he understandאוֹorיֵדַעknowדָּבָרanythingמִידִיעַתof the knowledge ofהַבּוֹרֵאthe Creatorוְהוּאand heחוֹלֶה.is illלְפִיכָךְthereforeצָרִיךְmustלְהַרְחִיקdistanceאָדָםa personעַצְמוֹhimselfמִדְּבָרִיםfrom thingsהַמְאַבְּדִיןthat destroyאֶת—הַגּוּף.the bodyוּלְהַנְהִיגand to accustomעַצְמוֹhimselfבִּדְבָרִיםto thingsהַמַּבְרִיןthat make healthyוְהַמַּחֲלִימִים.and that strengthenוְאֵלּוּand theseהֵן:they areלְעוֹלָםforeverלֹאnotיֹאכַלshall eatאָדָםa personאֶלָּאunlessכְּשֶׁהוּאwhen he isרָעֵב.hungryוְלֹאand notיִשְׁתֶּהshall drinkאֶלָּאunlessכְּשֶׁהוּאwhen he isצָמֵא.thirstyוְאַלand do notיַשְׁהֵאlet him delayנְקָבָיוhis excretionsאֲפִלּוּevenרֶגַעmomentאֶחָד.oneאֶלָּאratherכָּלallזְמַןtimeשֶׁצָּרִיךְthat he needsלְהַשְׁתִּיןto urinateאוֹorלְהָסֵךְto coverאֶת—רַגְלָיוhis feetיַעֲמֹדhe should standמִיָּד:immediately
The Rambam explains that keeping the body healthy is a religious duty because one cannot comprehend the Creator while ill.
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הַנְהָגַת הָאֲכִילָה הַנְּכוֹנָה וְהַהֲכָנָה לָהּ עַל יְדֵי יְגִיעָהHalacha 2 · Proper Eating Habits and Preparing the Body Through Physical Exertion
לֹאNotיֹאכַלshall eatאָדָםa personעַדuntilשֶׁתִּתְמַלֵּאthat is filledכְּרֵסוֹhis stomachאֶלָּאratherיִפְחֹתhe should diminishכְּמוֹlikeרְבִיעַa quarterמִשָּׂבְעָתוֹ.from his satietyוְלֹאand notיִשְׁתֶּהshall he drinkמַיִםwaterבְּתוֹךְduringהַמָּזוֹןthe mealאֶלָּאexceptמְעַטa littleוּמָזוּגand mixedבְּיַיִן.with wineוּכְשֶׁיַּתְחִילand when beginsהַמָּזוֹןthe foodלְהִתְעַכֵּלto digestבְּמֵעָיוin his intestinesשׁוֹתֶהhe drinksמַהwhatשֶּׁהוּאthat heצָרִיךְneedsלִשְׁתּוֹת.to drinkוְלֹאand notיַרְבֶּהshall he increaseלִשְׁתּוֹתto drinkמַיִםwaterוַאֲפִלּוּand evenכְּשֶׁיִּתְעַכֵּלwhen is digestedהַמָּזוֹן.the foodוְלֹאand notיֹאכַלshall he eatעַדuntilשֶׁיִּבְדֹּקthat he checksעַצְמוֹhimselfיָפֶהwellיָפֶהwellשֶׁמָּאlestיִהְיֶהhe will beצָרִיךְneedingלִנְקָבָיו.his excretory organsלֹאnotיֹאכַלshall eatאָדָםa personעַדuntilשֶׁיֵּלֵךְthat he walksקדֶםbeforeאֲכִילָהeatingעַדuntilשֶׁיַּתְחִילthat beginsגּוּפוֹhis bodyלָחֹם.to warm upאוֹorיַעֲשֶׂהhe doesמְלַאכְתּוֹhis workאוֹorיִתְיַגֵּעַhe exerts himselfבְּיֶגַעwith exertionאַחֵר.otherכְּלָלוֹthe general ruleשֶׁלofדָּבָרthe matterיְעַנֶּהhe should afflictגּוּפוֹhis bodyוְיִיגַעand exert himselfכָּלeveryיוֹםdayבַּבֹּקֶרin the morningעַדuntilשֶׁיַּתְחִילthat beginsגּוּפוֹhis bodyלָחֹםto warm upוְיִשְׁקֹטand he should restמְעַטa littleעַדuntilשֶׁתִּתְיַשֵּׁבthat settlesנַפְשׁוֹhis mindוְאוֹכֵל.and then eatsוְאִםand ifרָחַץhe bathedבְּחַמִּיןin hot waterאַחַרafterשֶׁיָּגַעthat he exerted himselfהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisטוֹבis goodוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְsoשׁוֹהֶהhe waitsמְעַטa littleוְאוֹכֵל:and then eats
The Rambam outlines healthy eating practices, advising against overeating, regulating fluid intake during meals, and emphasizing physical exertion before eating.
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הַנְהָגַת הַגּוּף בְּעֵת הָאֲכִילָה וְאַחֲרֶיהָHalacha 3 · Proper Physical Conduct During and Immediately After Eating
לְעוֹלָםAlwaysכְּשֶׁיֹּאכַלwhen eatsאָדָםa personיֵשֵׁבhe should sitבִּמְקוֹמוֹin his placeאוֹorיִטֶּהreclineעַלonשְׂמֹאל.leftוְלֹאand notיְהַלֵּךְwalkוְלֹאand notיִרְכַּבrideוְלֹאand notיִיגַעexert himselfוְלֹאand notיְזַעֲזֵעַshakeגּוּפוֹhis bodyוְלֹאand notיְטַיֵּלstrollעַדuntilשֶׁיִּתְעַכֵּלthat digestsהַמָּזוֹןthe foodשֶׁבְּמֵעָיו.that is in his intestinesוְכָלand anyoneהַמְטַיֵּלwho strollsאַחַרafterאֲכִילָתוֹhis eatingאוֹorשֶׁיָּגֵעַwho exerts himselfהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֵבִיאbringsעַלuponעַצְמוֹhimselfחֳלָאִיםillnessesרָעִיםbadוְקָשִׁים:and harsh
The Rambam outlines the healthy physical posture for eating and warns against physical exertion before digestion is complete.
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הַנְהָגַת הַשֵּׁנָה הַנְּכוֹנָה וּשְׁעוֹתֶיהָHalacha 4 · The Proper Conduct of Sleep and Its Required Hours
הַיּוֹםThe dayוְהַלַּיְלָהand the nightכ"דare twenty-fourשָׁעוֹת.hoursדַּיsufficientלוֹis itלָאָדָםfor a personלִישֹׁןto sleepשְׁלִישָׁןa third of themשֶׁהוּאwhich isשְׁמוֹנֶהeightשָׁעוֹת.hoursוְיִהְיוּand they should beבְּסוֹףat the end ofהַלַּיְלָהthe nightכְּדֵיsoשֶׁתִּהְיֶהthat there will beמִתְּחִלַּתfrom the beginning ofשְׁנָתוֹhis sleepעַדuntilשֶׁתַּעֲלֶהrisesהַשֶּׁמֶשׁthe sunשְׁמוֹנֶהeightשָׁעוֹת.hoursוְנִמְצָאand it turns outעוֹמֵדhe risesמִמִּטָּתוֹfrom his bedקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁתַּעֲלֶהrisesהַשֶּׁמֶשׁ:the sun
The Rambam explains the ideal duration and timing of sleep for maintaining physical health.
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הַנְהָגַת הַשֵּׁנָה הַבְּרִיאָה וּזְמַנֶּיהָHalacha 5 · Healthy Sleeping Positions and Proper Timing After Eating
לֹאnotיִישַׁןshall sleepאָדָםa personלֹאnotעַלonפָּנָיוhis faceוְלֹאand notעַלonעָרְפּוֹhis backאֶלָּאbutעַלonצִדּוֹ.his sideבִּתְחִלַּתat the beginning ofהַלַּיְלָהthe nightעַלonצַדthe side ofשְׂמֹאל.leftוּבְסוֹףand at the end ofהַלַּיְלָהthe nightעַלonצַדthe side ofיָמִין.rightוְלֹאand notיִישַׁןshall he sleepסָמוּךְcloseלַאֲכִילָהto eatingאֶלָּאbutיַמְתִּיןhe should waitאַחַרafterאֲכִילָהeatingכְּמוֹaboutשָׁלֹשׁthreeאוֹorאַרְבַּעfourשָׁעוֹת.hoursוְלֹאand notיִישַׁןshall he sleepבַּיּוֹם:during the day
The Rambam outlines the proper physical positions for sleep and the necessary interval of time one must wait after eating before going to bed.
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סֵדֶר אֲכִילַת מַאֲכָלִים הַמְשַׁלְשְׁלִין וְהַמְּאַמְּצִין אֶת הַמֵּעַיִםHalacha 6 · The Proper Order of Eating Laxative and Constipating Foods
דְּבָרִיםThingsהַמְשַׁלְשְׁלִיןthat loosenאֶת—בְּנֵיtheמֵעַיִםbowelsכְּגוֹןsuch asעֲנָבִיםgrapesוּתְאֵנִיםand figsוְתוּתִיםand mulberriesוַאֲגַסִּיםand pearsוַאֲבַטִּיחִיםand watermelonsוּמִינֵיand types ofהַקִּשּׁוּאִיםcucumbersוּמִינֵיand types ofמְלָפְפוֹנוֹתmelonsאוֹכֵלeatsאוֹתָםthemהָאָדָםa personבַּתְּחִלָּהat the beginningקֹדֶםbeforeאֲכִילָה.the mealוְלֹאand notיְעָרְבֵםshould he mix themעִםwithהַמָּזוֹן.the foodאֶלָּאbutשׁוֹהֶהwaitsמְעַטa littleעַדuntilשֶׁיֵּצְאוּthey exitמִבֶּטֶןfrom the stomachהָעֶלְיוֹןupperוְאוֹכֵלand eatsמְזוֹנוֹ.his foodוּדְבָרִיםand thingsשֶׁמְּאַמְּצִיןthat constipateאֶת—בְּנֵיtheמֵעַיִםbowelsכְּגוֹןsuch asרִמּוֹנִיםpomegranatesוּפְרִישִׁיםand quincesוְתַפּוּחִיםand applesוּקְרוֹסְטוֹמוֹלִיןand crustumenian pearsאוֹכֵלhe eatsאוֹתָןthemתֵּכֶףimmediatelyלִמְזוֹנוֹ.after his foodוְלֹאand notיַרְבֶּהshould he increaseלֶאֱכלto eatמֵהֶן:of them
The Rambam outlines the healthy sequence of eating, advising that laxative foods be eaten before the meal and constipating foods in small amounts after the meal.
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סֵדֶר אֲכִילַת מַאֲכָלִים קַלִּים וּכְבֵדִים לִשְׁמִירַת הַבְּרִיאוּתHalacha 7 · The Proper Order of Eating Light and Heavy Foods for Health
כְּשֶׁיִּרְצֶהWhen he desiresאָדָםa personלֶאֱכלto eatבְּשַׂרmeat ofעוֹףpoultryוּבְשַׂרand meat ofבְּהֵמָהanimalכְּאֶחָד.as oneאוֹכֵלhe should eatבַּתְּחִלָּהat the beginningבְּשַׂרmeat ofהָעוֹף.the poultryוְכֵןand soבֵּיצִיםeggsוּבְשַׂרand meat ofעוֹףpoultryאוֹכֵלhe should eatבַּתְּחִלָּהat the beginningבֵּיצִים.eggsבְּשַׂרmeat ofבְּהֵמָהanimalדַּקָּהsmallוּבְשַׂרand meat ofבְּהֵמָהanimalגַּסָּהlargeאוֹכֵלhe should eatבַּתְּחִלָּהat the beginningבְּשַׂרmeat ofדַּקָּה.smallלְעוֹלָםalwaysיַקְדִּיםshould advanceאָדָםa personדָּבָרthe thingהַקַּלthe lightוּמְאַחֵרand delayהַכָּבֵד:the heavy
The Rambam outlines the healthy dietary practice of eating lighter, more easily digestible foods before heavier ones.
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הַנְהָגַת הַמַּאֲכָלִים לְפִי עֲוֹנוֹת הַשָּׁנָה וְהַמְּקוֹמוֹתHalacha 8 · Adjusting Diet According to the Seasons and Climates
בִּימוֹתIn the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunאוֹכֵלone should eatמַאֲכָלִיםfoodsהַקָּרִיםthat are coldוְלֹאand notיַרְבֶּהincreaseבִּתְבָלִיםspicesוְאוֹכֵלand one should eatאֶת—הַחֹמֶץ.vinegarוּבִימוֹתand in the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִיםthe rainsאוֹכֵלone should eatמַאֲכָלִיםfoodsהַחַמִּיםthat are warmוּמַרְבֶּהand increaseבִּתְבָלִיםspicesוְאוֹכֵלand eatמְעַטa littleמִןofהַחַרְדָּלmustardוּמִןand ofהַחִלְתִּית.chiltitוְעַלand according toדֶּרֶךְwayזוֹthisהוֹלֵךְone should goוְעוֹשֶׂהand actבַּמְּקוֹמוֹתin placesהַקָּרִיםthat are coldוּבַמְּקוֹמוֹתand in placesהַחַמִּיםthat are hotבְּכָלin everyמָקוֹםplaceוּמָקוֹםand placeהָרָאוּיwhat is appropriateלוֹ:for it
The Rambam outlines how one should adjust their diet between summer and winter, as well as between hot and cold climates, to maintain physical health.
הל׳ ט
מַאֲכָלִים הַמַּזִּיקִים לַגּוּף וְהַנְהָגַת הָאֲכִילָה הַנְּכוֹנָהHalacha 9 · Harmful Foods and Proper Dietary Guidelines for Maintaining Health
יֵשׁThere areמַאֲכָלוֹתfoodsשֶׁהֵםthat they areרָעִיםbadבְּיוֹתֵרexceedinglyעַדuntilמְאֹדveryוְרָאוּיand it is properלָאָדָםfor a personשֶׁלֹּאthat notלְאָכְלָןto eat themלְעוֹלָם.everכְּגוֹןsuch asהַדָּגִיםthe fishהַגְּדוֹלִיםthe largeהַמְּלוּחִיםthe saltedהַיְשָׁנִים.the agedוְהַגְּבִינָהand the cheeseהַמְּלוּחָהthe saltedהַיְשָׁנָה.the agedוְהַכְּמֵהִיןand the trufflesוּפִטְרִיּוֹתand mushroomsוְהַבָּשָׂרand the meatהַמָּלִיחַthe saltedהַיָּשָׁן.the agedוְיַיִןand wineמִגִּתּוֹ.from its pressוְתַבְשִׁילand cooked foodשֶׁשָּׁהָאthat remainedעַדuntilשֶׁנָּדַףthat spoiledרֵיחוֹ.its odorוְכֵןand soכָּלanyמַאֲכָלfoodשֶׁרֵיחוֹthat its odorרַעis badאוֹorמַרbitterבְּיוֹתֵר.exceedinglyהֲרֵיbeholdאֵלּוּtheseלַגּוּףto the bodyכְּמוֹare likeסַםpoison ofהַמָּוֶת.deathוְיֵשׁand there areמַאֲכָלוֹתfoodsשֶׁהֵןthat they areרָעִיםbadאֲבָלbutאֵינָןthey are notכְּמוֹlikeהָרִאשׁוֹנִיםthe first onesלְרֹעַ.for badnessלְפִיכָךְthereforeרָאוּיit is properלָאָדָםfor a personשֶׁלֹּאthat notלֶאֱכלto eatמֵהֶןfrom themאֶלָּאexceptמְעַטa littleוְאַחַרand afterיָמִיםdaysהַרְבֵּה.manyוְלֹאand notיַרְגִּילshall he accustomעַצְמוֹhimselfלִהְיוֹתto beמְזוֹנוֹhis foodמֵהֶםfrom themאוֹorלְאָכְלָןto eat themעִםwithמְזוֹנוֹhis foodתָּמִיד.constantlyכְּגוֹןsuch asדָּגִיםfishגְּדוֹלִיםlargeוּגְבִינָהand cheeseוְחָלָבand milkשֶׁשָּׁהָאthat remainedאַחַרafterשֶׁנֶּחְלַבthat it was milkedכ"דtwenty-fourשָׁעוֹת.hoursוּבְשַׂרand meat ofשְׁוָרִיםoxenגְּדוֹלִיםlargeוּתְיָשִׁיםand he-goatsגְּדוֹלִיםlargeוְהַפּוֹלand the horse-beanוְהָעֲדָשִׁיםand the lentilsוְהַסַּפִּירand the chickpeaוְלֶחֶםand bread ofשְׂעוֹרִיםbarleyוְלֶחֶםand bread ofמַצּוֹתmatzotוְהַכְּרוּבand the cabbageוְהֶחָצִירand the leekוְהַבְּצָלִיםand the onionsוְהַשּׁוּמִיםand the garlicוְהַחַרְדָּלand the mustardוְהַצְּנוֹן.and the radishכָּלall ofאֵלּוּtheseמַאֲכָלִיםfoodsרָעִיםbadהֵםthey areאֵיןit is notרָאוּיproperלָאָדָםfor a personלֶאֱכלto eatמֵאֵלּוּfrom theseאֶלָּאexceptמְעַטa littleעַדuntilמְאֹדveryוּבִימוֹתand in the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִים.the rainsאֲבָלbutבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunלֹאnotיֹאכַלshall he eatמֵהֶןfrom themכְּלָל.at allוְהַפּוֹלand the horse-beanוְהָעֲדָשִׁיםand the lentilsבִּלְבַדaloneאֵיןit is notרָאוּיproperלְאָכְלָןto eat themלֹאnotבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunוְלֹאand notבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִים.the rainsוְהַדְּלוּעִיןand the squashesאוֹכְלִיןone may eatמֵהֶןfrom themבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּה:the sun
The Rambam lists foods that are extremely harmful to the body and should be avoided entirely, as well as moderately harmful foods that should only be eaten sparingly and in specific seasons.
הל׳ י
מַאֲכָלוֹת הַמַּזִּיקִים מְעַט וְהַנְהָגַת הֶחָכָם בָּהֶםHalacha 10 · Foods that are Slightly Harmful and the Wise Person's Conduct Regarding Them
וְיֵשׁAnd there areמַאֲכָלוֹתfoodsשֶׁהֵםthat they areרָעִיםbadוְאֵינָןbut they are notכְּמוֹlikeאֵלּוּ.theseוְהֵםand they areעוֹףfowl ofהַמַּיִםthe waterוּבְנֵיand youngיוֹנָהpigeonsהַקְּטַנִּיםthe small onesוְהַתְּמָרִיםand datesוְלֶחֶםand breadקָלוּיroastedבְּשֶׁמֶןin oilאוֹorלֶחֶםbreadשֶׁנִּלּוֹשׁthat was kneadedבְּשֶׁמֶןin oilוְהַסּלֶתand fine flourשֶׁנִּפּוּthat they siftedאוֹתָהּitכָּלallצָרְכָּהּits needעַדuntilשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִשְׁאֲרָהremainedבָּהּin itרֵיחַa trace ofמוּרְסָן.branוְהַצִּירand fish brineוְהַמּוּרְיָיס.and pickled fish oilאֵיןit is notרָאוּיproperלְהַרְבּוֹתto increaseמַאֲכָלוֹתfoods ofאֵלּוּ.theseוְאָדָםand a personשֶׁהוּאwho isחָכָםwiseוְכוֹבֵשׁand conquersאֶת—יִצְרוֹhis inclinationוְלֹאand does notיִמָּשֵׁךְdrawאַחַרafterתַּאֲוָתוֹhis desireוְלֹאand does notיֹאכַלeatמִןfromהַנִּזְכָּרִיםthe mentioned onesכְּלוּםanythingאֶלָּאunlessאִם·נִצְרָךְhe needsלָהֶםthemלִרְפוּאָהfor healingהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneגִּבּוֹר:is a hero
The Rambam lists foods that are moderately harmful to health and advises that a wise person should avoid them entirely unless needed for medical reasons.
הל׳ יא
הַנְהָגַת אֲכִילַת פֵּרוֹת הָאִילָן וְהַמַּזִּיקִין לַגּוּףHalacha 11 · The Proper Consumption of Tree Fruits and Those That Harm the Body
לְעוֹלָםAlwaysיִמְנַעshould withholdאָדָםa personעַצְמוֹhimselfמִפֵּרוֹתfrom fruits ofהָאִילָנוֹת.the treesוְלֹאand notיַרְבֶּהshould he eat muchמֵהֶןof themוַאֲפִלּוּand evenיְבֵשִׁיןdriedוְאֵיןand there is noצָרִיךְneedלוֹמַרto sayרְטֻבִּים.freshאֲבָלbutקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁיִּתְבַּשְּׁלוּthey ripenכָּלallצָרְכָּןtheir needהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyכַּחֲרָבוֹתare like swordsלַגּוּף.to the bodyוְכֵןand likewiseהַחֲרוּבִיםcarobsרָעִיםare badלְעוֹלָם.alwaysוְכָלand allהַפֵּרוֹתfruitsהַחֲמוּצִיןthat are sourרָעִיםare badוְאֵיןand one does notאוֹכְלִיןeatמֵהֶןof themאֶלָּאexceptמְעַטa littleבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe heatוּבַמְּקוֹמוֹתand in placesהַחַמִּים.that are hotוְהַתְּאֵנִיםand figsוְהָעֲנָבִיםand grapesוְהַשְּׁקֵדִיםand almondsלְעוֹלָםalwaysטוֹבִיםare goodבֵּיןwhetherרְטֻבִּיןfreshבֵּיןwhetherיְבֵשִׁיןdriedוְאוֹכֵלand may eatאָדָםa personמֵהֶםof themכָּלallצָרְכּוֹ.his needוְלֹאbut notיַתְמִידshould he make constantאֲכִילָתָםtheir eatingאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהֵןthey areטוֹבִיםbetterמִכָּלthan allפְּרִיfruit ofהָאִילָנוֹת:the trees
This halacha outlines which fruits are beneficial or harmful to human health, advising on moderation and seasonal consumption.
הל׳ יב
הַנְהָגַת אֲכִילַת דְּבַשׁ וְיַיִן וְהַהֶפְרֵשׁ בֵּין הַקַּיִץ לַחֹרֶףHalacha 12 · The Effects of Honey and Wine and Seasonal Adjustments to Food Intake
הַדְּבַשׁHoneyוְהַיַּיִןand wineרַעare badלַקְּטַנִּיםfor the youngוְיָפֶהand goodלַזְּקֵנִיםfor the oldוְכָלand allשֶׁכֵּןthe more soבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִים.the rainsוְצָרִיךְand needsאָדָםa personלֶאֱכלto eatבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunשְׁנֵיtwoשְׁלִישִׁיםthirdsמַהof whatשֶּׁהוּאthat heאוֹכֵלeatsבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִים:the rains
The Rambam explains that honey and wine are beneficial for the elderly but harmful to the young, and that one must reduce their food intake during the summer months.
הל׳ יג
הַנְהָגַת הַגּוּף בִּמְעָיו וּמְנִיעַת עֲצִירוּתHalacha 13 · Maintaining Loose Bowels and Preventing Constipation for Good Health
לְעוֹלָםAlwaysיִשְׁתַּדֵּלshould striveאָדָםa personשֶׁיִּהְיוּthat should beמֵעָיוhis bowelsרָפִיןlooseכָּלallיָמָיוhis daysוְיִהְיֶהand he should beקָרוֹבcloseלְשִׁלְשׁוּלto diarrheaמְעַט.slightlyוְזֶהand thisכְּלָלis a principleגָּדוֹלgreatבָּרְפוּאָהin medicineכָּלanyזְמַןtimeשֶׁהָרְעִיthat the stoolנִמְנָעis withheldאוֹorיוֹצֵאcomes outבְּקֹשִׁיwith difficultyחֳלָאִיםillnessesרָעִיםbadבָּאִים.comeוּבַמֶּהand with whatיַרְפֶּהshall loosenאָדָםa personמֵעָיוhis bowelsאִםifיִתְאַמְּצוּthey become constipatedמְעַט.slightlyאִםifהָיָהhe isבָּחוּרa young manיֹאכַלhe should eatבַּבֹּקֶרin the morningבַּבֹּקֶרin the morningמְלוּחִיםsalted herbsשְׁלוּקִיםboiledמְתֻבָּלִיןseasonedבְּשֶׁמֶןwith oil ofזַיִתolivesוּבְמוּרְיָיסand with fish brineוּבְמֶלַחand with saltבְּלֹאwithoutפַּת.breadאוֹorיִשְׁתֶּהhe should drinkמֵיwater ofשֶׁלֶקboiled vegetablesשֶׁלofתְּרָדִיןspinachאוֹorכְּרוּבcabbageבְּשֶׁמֶןwith oil ofזַיִתolivesוּמוּרְיָיסand fish brineוּמֶלַח.and saltוְאִםand ifהָיָהhe isזָקֵןan old manיִשְׁתֶּהhe should drinkדְּבַשׁhoneyמָזוּגdilutedבְּמַיִםwith waterחַמִּיםhotבַּבֹּקֶרin the morningוְיִשְׁהֵאand he should waitכְּמוֹaboutאַרְבַּעfourשָׁעוֹתhoursוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְsoיֹאכַלhe should eatסְעֻדָּתוֹ.his mealוְיַעֲשֶׂהand he should doכֵןsoיוֹםdayאֶחָדoneאוֹorשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeאוֹorאַרְבָּעָהfourיָמִיםdaysאִםifצָרִיךְhe needsלְכָךְ·עַדuntilשֶׁיִּרְפּוּthat loosenמֵעָיו:his bowels
The Rambam outlines dietary methods for young and old individuals to prevent constipation, which he considers a primary cause of illness.
הל׳ יד
הַנְהָגַת הַבְּרִיאוּת עַל יְדֵי הִתְעַמְּלוּת וַאֲכִילָה מְעוּטָהHalacha 14 · Maintaining Physical Health through Exercise and Moderate Eating
וְעוֹדAnd anotherכְּלָלprincipleאַחֵרotherאָמְרוּthey saidבִּבְרִיאוּתconcerning the health ofהַגּוּף.the bodyכָּלallזְמַןthe timeשֶׁאָדָםthat a personמִתְעַמֵּלexercisesוְיָגֵעַand exerts himselfהַרְבֵּהmuchוְאֵינוֹand is notשָׂבֵעַsatiatedוּמֵעָיוand his bowelsרָפִיןare looseאֵיןnoחלִיsicknessבָּאcomesעָלָיוupon himוְכֹחוֹand his strengthמִתְחַזֵּק.grows strongerוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifאוֹכֵלhe eatsמַאֲכָלוֹתfoodsהָרָעִים:that are bad
The Rambam explains that physical exercise and avoiding overeating are the primary safeguards against illness, even when consuming unhealthy foods.
הל׳ טו
הַנֶּזֶק שֶׁל אֲכִילָה גַּסָּה וְחֹסֶר הִתְעַמְּלוּתHalacha 15 · The Danger of Overeating and the Importance of Physical Exercise
וְכָלAnd anyoneמִיwhoשֶׁהוּאhe isיוֹשֵׁבsittingלָבֶטַחidleוְאֵינוֹand does notמִתְעַמֵּל.exerciseאוֹorמִיoneשֶׁמַּשְׁהֵאwho delaysנְקָבָיו.his excretionsאוֹorמִיoneשֶׁמֵּעָיוwhose bowelsקָשִׁין.are hardאֲפִלּוּeven ifאָכַלhe ateמַאֲכָלוֹתfoodsטוֹבִיםgoodוְשָׁמַרand guardedעַצְמוֹhimselfעַלaccording toפִּיthe rule ofהָרְפוּאָה.medicineכָּלallיָמָיוhis daysיִהְיוּwill beמַכְאוֹבִיםpainsוְכֹחוֹand his strengthתָּשֵׁשׁ.will weakenוַאֲכִילָהAnd eatingגַּסָּהexcessiveלְגוּףto the body ofכָּלeveryאָדָםmanכְּמוֹis likeסַםpoison ofהַמָּוֶת.deathוְהוּאand itעִקָּרis the rootלְכָלof allהֶחֳלָאִים.illnessesוְרֹבAnd most ofהֶחֳלָאִיםthe illnessesשֶׁבָּאִיםthat comeעַלuponהָאָדָםmanאֵינָםare notאֶלָּאbutאוֹeitherמִפְּנֵיbecause ofמַאֲכָלִיםfoodsרָעִים.badאוֹorמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאthat heמְמַלֵּאfillsבִּטְנוֹhis bellyוְאוֹכֵלand eatsאֲכִילָהeatingגַּסָּהexcessiveאֲפִלּוּevenמִמַּאֲכָלִיםof foodsטוֹבִים.goodהוּאThis isשֶׁשְּׁלֹמֹהwhat Shlomoאָמַרsaidבְּחָכְמָתוֹin his wisdomמשליMishleiכא21כג23"שֹׁמֵרHe who guardsפִּיוhis mouthוּלְשׁוֹנוֹand his tongueשֹׁמֵרguardsמִצָּרוֹתfrom troublesנַפְשׁוֹ".his soulכְּלוֹמַרmeaning to sayשׁוֹמֵרguardsפִּיוhis mouthמִלֶּאֱכלfrom eatingמַאֲכָלfoodרַעbadאוֹorמִלִּשְׂבֹּעַfrom overeatingוּלְשׁוֹנוֹand his tongueמִלְּדַבֵּרfrom speakingאֶלָּאexceptבִּצְרָכָיו:for his needs
The Rambam explains that overeating and physical inactivity are the primary causes of illness, referencing King Shlomo's wisdom.
הל׳ טז
הַנְהָגַת הַמֶּרְחָץ וּבְדִיקַת הַנְּקָבִיםHalacha 16 · The Proper Manner of Bathing and Examining One's Bodily Needs
דֶּרֶךְThe way ofהָרְחִיצָה.bathingשֶׁיִּכָּנֵסis that should enterאָדָםa personלַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseמִשִּׁבְעָהfrom sevenיָמִיםdaysלְשִׁבְעָהto sevenיָמִים.daysוְלֹאand notיִכָּנֵסshould he enterסָמוּךְcloseלַאֲכִילָה.to eatingוְלֹאand notכְּשֶׁהוּאwhen he isרָעֵב.hungryאֶלָּאbutכְּשֶׁיַּתְחִילwhen beginsהַמָּזוֹןthe foodלְהִתְעַכֵּל.to digestוְרוֹחֵץand he washesכָּלall ofגּוּפוֹhis bodyבְּחַמִּיןin hot waterשֶׁאֵיןthat notהַגּוּףthe bodyנִכְוֶהis scaldedבָּהֶן.by themוְרֹאשׁוֹand his headבִּלְבַדonlyבְּחַמִּיןin hot waterשֶׁהַגּוּףthat the bodyנִכְוֶהis scaldedבָּהֶן.by themוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatיִרְחַץhe should washגּוּפוֹhis bodyבְּפוֹשְׁרִיןin lukewarm waterוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatבְּפוֹשְׁרִיןin lukewarm waterמִןless thanהַפּוֹשְׁרִיןthe lukewarm waterעַדuntilשֶׁיִּרְחַץhe washesבְּצוֹנֵן.in cold waterוְלֹאand notיַעֲבֹרshould he passעַלoverרֹאשׁוֹhis headמַיִםwaterלֹאneitherפּוֹשְׁרִיןlukewarmוְלֹאnorצוֹנֵן.coldוְלֹאand notיִרְחַץshould he washבְּצוֹנֵןin cold waterבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִים.the rainsוְלֹאand notיִרְחַץshould he washעַדuntilשֶׁיַּזִּיעַhe sweatsוִיפָרֵךְand massagesכָּלall ofגּוּפוֹ.his bodyוְלֹאand notיַאֲרִיךְshould he lingerבַּמֶּרְחָץin the bathhouseאֶלָּאbutכְּשֶׁיַּזִּיעַwhen he sweatsוִיפָרֵךְand massagesגּוּפוֹhis bodyיִשְׁתַּטֵּףhe should rinseוְיֵצֵא.and leaveוּבוֹדֵקand he examinesעַצְמוֹhimselfקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁיִּכָּנֵסhe entersלַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseוְאַחַרand afterשֶׁיֵּצֵאhe leavesשֶׁמָּאlestיְהֵאhe will beצָרִיךְneedingלִנְקָבָיו.his orificesוְכֵןand soבּוֹדֵקexaminesאָדָםa personעַצְמוֹhimselfתָּמִידalwaysקֹדֶםbeforeאֲכִילָהeatingוְאַחַרand afterאֲכִילָה.eatingוְקֹדֶםand beforeבְּעִילָהintercourseוְאַחַרand afterבְּעִילָה.intercourseוְקֹדֶםand beforeשֶׁיִּיגַעhe exertsוְיִתְעַמֵּלand exercisesוְאַחַרand afterשֶׁיִּיגַעhe exertsוְיִתְעַמֵּל.and exercisesוְקֹדֶםand beforeשֶׁיִּישַׁןhe sleepsוְאַחַרand afterשֶׁיִּישַׁן.he sleepsוּבְשִׁעוּרand in the total ofהַכּלeverythingעֲשָׂרָה:ten
The Rambam outlines the healthy practices for bathing in a bathhouse and lists ten occasions when a person must check if they need to relieve themselves.
הל׳ יז
הַנְהָגַת הָאָדָם בְּצֵאתוֹ מִן הַמֶּרְחָץ וּמְנִיעַת שְׁתִיַּת מַיִם קָרִיםHalacha 17 · Proper Conduct Upon Leaving the Bathhouse and the Prohibition of Drinking Cold Water
כְּשֶׁיֵּצֵאWhen he leavesאָדָםa personמִןfromהַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseיִלְבַּשׁhe should dressבְּגָדָיוhis clothesוִיכַסֶּהand coverרֹאשׁוֹhis headבַּבַּיִתin the roomהַחִיצוֹןthe outerכְּדֵיsoשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּשְׁלֹטwill ruleבּוֹin himרוּחַa windקָרָה.coldוַאֲפִלּוּand evenבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunצָרִיךְhe needsלְהִזָּהֵר.to be carefulוְיִשְׁהֵאand he should waitאַחַרafterשֶׁיֵּצֵאthat he leavesעַדuntilשֶׁתִּתְיַשֵּׁבsettlesנַפְשׁוֹhis soulוְיָנוּחַand restsגּוּפוֹhis bodyוְתָסוּרand departsהַחֲמִימוּתthe warmthוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatיֹאכַל.he should eatוְאִםand ifיָשֵׁןhe sleepsמְעַטa littleכְּשֶׁיֵּצֵאwhen he leavesמִןfromהַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseקֹדֶםbeforeאֲכִילָהeatingהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisיָפֶהis goodמְאֹד.veryוְלֹאand notיִשְׁתֶּהshould he drinkמַיִםwaterקָרִיםcoldבְּצֵאתוֹupon his leavingמִןfromהַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseוְאֵיןand there is noצָרִיךְneedלוֹמַרto sayשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִשְׁתֶּהshould he drinkבַּמֶּרְחָץ.in the bathhouseוְאִםand ifצָמֵאhe is thirstyכְּשֶׁיָּצָאwhen he leftמִןfromהַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseוְאֵינוֹand he is notיָכוֹלableלִמְנֹעַto restrainעַצְמוֹhimselfיְעָרֵבhe should mixהַמַּיִםthe waterבְּיַיִןwith wineאוֹorבִּדְבַשׁwith honeyוְיִשְׁתֶּה.and drinkוְאִםand ifסָךְhe anointsבְּשֶׁמֶןwith oilבַּמֶּרְחָץin the bathhouseבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִיםthe rainsאַחַרafterשֶׁיִּשְׁתַּטֵּףthat he rinsesהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisטוֹב:is good
This halacha outlines the physical precautions one must take after bathing, including dressing warmly, resting before eating, and avoiding cold drinks.
הל׳ יח
הַנְהָגַת הַקָּזַת דָּם וּשְׁמִירַת הַבְּרִיאוּתHalacha 18 · The Proper Conduct of Bloodletting and Guarding One's Health
לֹאNotיַרְגִּילshould accustomאָדָםa personלְהַקִּיזto letדָּםbloodתָּמִיד.constantlyוְלֹאand notיַקִּיזshould he letאֶלָּאunlessאִם·יִהְיֶהthere will beצָרִיךְneedלוֹfor himבְּיוֹתֵר.exceedinglyוְלֹאand notיַקִּיזshould he letלֹאnotבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַחַמָּהthe sunוְלֹאand notבִּימוֹתin the days ofהַגְּשָׁמִיםthe rainsאֶלָּאbutמְעַטa littleבִּימֵיin the days ofנִיסָןNisanוּמְעַטand a littleבִּימֵיin the days ofתִּשְׁרֵי.Tishreiוּמֵאַחַרand afterחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyשָׁנָהyearsלֹאnotיַקִּיזshould he letכְּלָל.at allוְלֹאand notיַקִּיזshould letאָדָםa personדָּםbloodוְיִכָּנֵסand enterלַמֶּרְחָץthe bathhouseבּוֹon thatבַּיּוֹם.dayוְלֹאand notיַקִּיזshould he letוְיֵצֵאand go outלַדֶּרֶךְ.on a journeyוְלֹאand notבְּיוֹםon the dayשֶׁיָּבוֹאthat he comesמִןfromהַדֶּרֶךְ.the journeyוְיֹאכַלand he should eatוְיִשְׁתֶּהand drinkבְּיוֹםon the day ofהַהַקָּזָהthe bloodlettingפָּחוֹתlessמִמַּהthan whatשֶּׁהוּאhe isרָגִיל.accustomedוְיָנוּחַand he should restבְּיוֹםon the day ofהַהַקָּזָהthe bloodlettingוְלֹאand notיִיגַעshould he exert himselfוְלֹאand notיִתְעַמֵּלshould he exerciseוְלֹאand notיְטַיֵּל:should he stroll
The Rambam outlines the strict health precautions and limitations regarding bloodletting, warning against its frequent practice.
הל׳ יט
הַנְהָגַת הַתַּשְׁמִישׁ הַנְּכוֹנָה לִשְׁמִירַת הַבְּרִיאוּתHalacha 19 · Proper Conduct Regarding Marital Relations for Maintaining Physical Health
שִׁכְבַתsemenזֶרַעemissionהִיאisכֹּחַthe strength ofהַגּוּףthe bodyוְחַיָּיוand its lifeוּמְאוֹרand the light ofהָעֵינַיִםthe eyesוְכָלand wheneverשֶׁתֵּצֵאit goes outבְּיוֹתֵרexcessivelyהַגּוּףthe bodyכָּלֶהis depletedוְכֹחוֹand its strengthכָּלֶהis depletedוְחַיָּיוand its lifeאוֹבְדִים.is lostהוּאit isשֶׁאָמַרas saidשְׁלֹמֹהShlomoבְּחָכְמָתוֹin his wisdomמשליProverbsלא31גdo not"אַלgiveתִּתֵּןto womenלַנָּשִׁיםyour strengthחֵילֶךָ".anyoneכָּלwho is steepedהַשָּׁטוּףin intercourseבִּבְעִילָהold ageזִקְנָהspringsקוֹפֶצֶתupon himעָלָיו.and his strengthוְכֹחוֹis weakenedתָּשֵׁשׁ.and his eyesוְעֵינָיוbecome dimכֵּהוֹת.and an odorוְרֵיחַbadרַעemanatesנוֹדֵףfrom his mouthמִפִּיוand from his armpitוּמִשֶּׁחְיוֹ.and the hair ofוּשְׂעַרhis headרֹאשׁוֹand the brows ofוְגַבּוֹתhis eyesעֵינָיוand the lashes ofוְרִיסֵיhis eyesעֵינָיוfall outנוֹשְׁרוֹת.and the hair ofוּשְׂעַרhis beardזְקָנוֹand his armpitוְשֶׁחְיוֹand the hair ofוּשְׂעַרhis legsרַגְלָיוincreasesרַבֶּה.his teethשִׁנָּיוfall outנוֹפְלוֹת.and manyוְהַרְבֵּהpainsכְּאֵבִיםbesidesחוּץtheseמֵאֵלּוּcomeבָּאִיםupon himעָלָיו.saidאָמְרוּthe wise ofחַכְמֵיthe doctorsהָרוֹפְאִיםoneאֶחָדfrom a thousandמֵאֶלֶףdiesמֵתfrom otherבִּשְׁאָרillnessesחֳלָאִיםand the thousandוְהָאֶלֶףfrom the excess ofמֵרֹבintercourseהַתַּשְׁמִישׁ.thereforeלְפִיכָךְmustצָרִיךְa personאָדָםbe carefulלְהִזָּהֵרin thisבְּדָבָרmatterזֶהifאִםhe wishesרָצָהto liveלִחְיוֹתin wellnessבְּטוֹבָה.and notוְלֹאhe should engage in intercourseיִבְעֹלexceptאֶלָּאwhen is foundכְּשֶׁיִּמָּצֵאhis bodyגּוּפוֹhealthyבָּרִיאand strongוְחָזָקexceedinglyבְּיוֹתֵרand heוְהוּאhas an erectionמִתְקַשֶּׁהmuchהַרְבֵּהnotשֶׁלֹּאby his intentלְדַעְתּוֹ.and he divertsוּמַסִּיחַhimselfעַצְמוֹto a matterלְדָבָרotherאַחֵרand the erectionוְהַקִּשּׁוּיremains in himבּוֹas it wasכְּשֶׁהָיָה.and there is foundוְיִמָּצֵאa heavinessכֹּבֶדfrom his loinsמִמָּתְנָיוand belowוּלְמַטָּהand as ifוּכְאִלּוּthe cords ofחוּטֵיthe testiclesהַבֵּיצִיםare stretchedנִמְשָׁכִיםand his fleshוּבְשָׂרוֹis warmחַם.this oneזֶהneedsצָרִיךְto engage in intercourseלִבְעלand it is a cureוּרְפוּאָהfor himלוֹthat he engage in intercourseשֶׁיִּבְעל.notלֹאshould engage in intercourseיִבְעֹלa personאָדָםwhile heוְהוּאis fullשָׂבֵעַand notוְלֹאhungryרָעֵבexceptאֶלָּאafterאַחַרthat is digestedשֶׁיִּתְעַכֵּלthe foodהַמָּזוֹןthat is in his bowelsשֶׁבְּמֵעָיו.and he should checkוְיִבְדֹקhis orificesנְקָבָיוbeforeקֹדֶםintercourseבְּעִילָהand afterוּלְאַחַרintercourseבְּעִילָה.and notוְלֹאshould he engage in intercourseיִבְעֹלstandingמְעֻמָּדand notוְלֹאsittingמְיֻשָּׁב.and notוְלֹאin the house ofבְּבֵיתthe bathהַמֶּרְחָץand notוְלֹאon the dayבְּיוֹםthat he entersשֶׁיִּכָּנֵסthe bathhouseלַמֶּרְחָץ.and notוְלֹאon the day ofבְּיוֹםbloodlettingהַקָּזָה.and notוְלֹאon the day ofבְּיוֹםdepartureיְצִיאָהon a journeyלַדֶּרֶךְorאוֹarrivalבִּיאָהfromמִןthe journeyהַדֶּרֶךְnotלֹאbefore themלִפְנֵיהֶםand notוְלֹאafter themלְאַחֲרֵיהֶם:—
The Rambam outlines the physical toll of excessive marital relations and details the specific physiological conditions and times when intercourse is medically appropriate.
הל׳ כ
הַנְהָגַת הַבְּרִיאוּת וְהַהַבְטָחָה מֵחֹלִיHalacha 20 · Healthy Conduct and the Guarantee of Freedom from Illness
כָּלAllהַמַּנְהִיגwho conductsעַצְמוֹhimselfבִּדְרָכִיםin waysאֵלּוּtheseשֶׁהוֹרִינוּthat we have instructedאֲנִיIעָרֵבguaranteeלוֹto himשֶׁאֵינוֹthat he will notבָּאcomeלִידֵיto the hands ofחֹלִיillnessכָּלallיָמָיוhis daysעַדuntilשֶׁיַּזְקִיןhe agesהַרְבֵּהmuchוְיָמוּתand diesוְאֵינוֹand he will notצָרִיךְneedלְרוֹפֵא.a doctorוְיִהְיֶהand will beגּוּפוֹhis bodyשָׁלֵםwholeוְעוֹמֵדand standingעַלuponבֻּרְיוֹits healthכָּלallיָמָיו.his daysאֶלָּאunlessאִם·כֵּן·הָיָהwasגּוּפוֹhis bodyרַעbadמִתְּחִלַּתfrom the beginning ofבְּרִיָּתוֹ.his creationאוֹorאִםifהָיָהhe wasרָגִילaccustomedבְּמִנְהָגto a habitמִןfromהַמִּנְהָגוֹתthe habitsהָרָעִיםthe badמִתְּחִלַּתfrom the beginning ofמוֹלַדְתּוֹ.his birthאוֹorאִםifתָּבוֹאthere comesמַכַּתa plague ofדֶּבֶרpestilenceאוֹorמַכַּתa plague ofבַּצֹּרֶתdroughtלָעוֹלָם:to the world
The Rambam guarantees that one who follows these health guidelines will remain healthy throughout his life, barring congenital defects, bad habits from birth, or global plagues.
הל׳ כא
הַנְהָגַת הַבָּרִיא לְעֻמַּת הַחוֹלֶה וְשִׁנּוּי הַוֶּסֶתHalacha 21 · Healthy Habits Apply Only to the Healthy and the Danger of Sudden Change
וְכָלAnd allהַמִּנְהָגוֹתthe habitsהַטּוֹבִיםthe goodהָאֵלּוּtheseשֶׁאָמַרְנוּthat we saidאֵיןthere is notרָאוּיproperלִנְהֹגto behaveבָּהֶןwith themאֶלָּאexceptהַבָּרִיא.the healthyאֲבָלbutהַחוֹלֶהthe sickאוֹorמִיoneשֶׁאֶחָדwho oneמֵאֵיבָרָיוof his limbsחוֹלֶהis sickאוֹorמִיoneשֶׁנָּהַגwho behavedמִנְהָגa habitרַעbadשָׁנִיםyearsרַבּוֹת.manyיֵשׁthere isלְכָלfor everyאֶחָדoneמֵהֶםof themדְּרָכִיםwaysאֲחֵרִיםotherוְהַנְהָגוֹתand conductsכְּפִיaccording toחָלְיוֹhis illnessכְּמוֹjustשֶׁיִּתְבָּאֵרas will be explainedבְּסֵפֶרin the book ofהָרְפוּאוֹת.the medicinesוְשִׁנּוּיand a change ofוֶסֶתhabitתְּחִלַּתis the beginning ofחלִי:illness
The Rambam explains that healthy lifestyle habits are meant for healthy individuals, whereas the sick or those with established bad habits require specialized medical guidance.
הל׳ כב
הַנְהָגַת הַבָּרִיא וְהַחוֹלֶה בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ רוֹפֵאHalacha 22 · The Conduct of the Healthy and Sick Where No Doctor is Available
כָּלAnyמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notבּוֹin itרוֹפֵא.a doctorאֶחָדbothהַבָּרִיאthe healthy personוְאֶחָדand bothהַחוֹלֶהthe sick personאֵיןit is notרָאוּיproperלוֹfor himלָזוּזto budgeמִכָּלfrom allהַדְּרָכִיםthe waysהָאֵלּוּtheseשֶׁנֶּאֶמְרוּthat were saidבְּפֶרֶקin chapterזֶה.thisשֶׁכָּלfor eachאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themלְאַחֲרִיתto an endטוֹבָהgoodמֵבִיא:brings
This halacha emphasizes that in the absence of a physician, one must strictly adhere to the dietary and hygienic rules detailed in this chapter to maintain health.
הל׳ כג
עֲשָׂרָה דְּבָרִים הַנִּצְרָכִים בְּעִיר לְתַלְמִיד חָכָםHalacha 23 · Ten Essential Communal Institutions Required for a Torah Sage to Dwell in a City
כָּלAnyעִירcityשֶׁאֵיןthat does not haveבָּהּin itעֲשָׂרָהtenדְּבָרִיםthingsהָאֵלּוּtheseאֵיןis notתַּלְמִידa discipleחָכָםof a Sageרַשַּׁאיpermittedלָדוּרto dwellבְּתוֹכָהּ.within itוְאֵלּוּand theseהֵן:are theyרוֹפֵא.a doctorוְאֻמָּן.and a bloodletterוּבֵיתand a house ofהַמֶּרְחָץ.bathוּבֵיתand a house ofהַכִּסֵּא.the chairוּמַיִםand waterמְצוּיִיןavailableכְּגוֹןsuch asנָהָרa riverוּמַעְיָן.or a springוּבֵיתand a house ofהַכְּנֶסֶת.assemblyוּמְלַמֵּדand a teacher ofתִּינוֹקוֹת.childrenוְלַבְלָר.and a scribeוְגַבַּאיand a collector ofצְדָקָה.charityוּבֵיתand a house ofדִּיןjudgmentמַכִּיםthat lashesוְחוֹבְשִׁים:and imprisons
The Rambam lists the ten essential public services and institutions that must be present in a city before a Torah scholar is permitted to reside there.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
The Rambam begins by outlining the proper times and measures for eating and drinking, emphasizing that one should never overeat and must always attend to his bodily needs immediately. He details the importance of physical exertion and sweat-producing tasks before meals, followed by proper rest, and explains the correct posture for eating and sleeping, including the ideal eight hours of sleep. Finally, he categorizes various foods—ranging from highly beneficial fruits like figs and grapes, to extremely harmful foods that act like poison, to seasonal adjustments for summer and winter—urging the wise person to overcome his desires and eat solely for the sake of maintaining a healthy body to serve Hashem.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
The Rambam is teaching us a profound, life-altering chiddush here: taking care of your physical health is not a distraction from your avodah, nor is it merely a worldly necessity. It is 'mi-darchei Hashem', an actual path of serving the Creator. When you eat mindfully, sleep properly, and care for your body, you are not just engaging in physical maintenance; you are building the very vessel required to hold yiras Shamayim and Torah knowledge. A sick or exhausted body simply cannot sustain the deep mental clarity needed to know and serve Hashem.
This means we must stop viewing our physical habits as separate from our spiritual lives. The table where you eat is an altar, and the way you treat your sleep and digestion is a direct reflection of your ratzon to serve Hashem with a clear mind. When you restrain yourself from overeating, or when you make sure to get enough sleep so you can rise before the sun, you are acting as a true gibor who conquers his yetzer hara for the sake of Heaven.
Today, treat one physical act of self-care as a holy avodah. Before you eat your next meal, pause, check that you are actually hungry, and resolve to stop eating when you are three-quarters full, consciously dedicating the physical strength you gain to the service of Hashem.