Topics covered:
Procedure for discouraging or evading a pursuing, angry snake. This snake suggests demonic forces at work, and the procedures contain spiritual as well as physical elements. The world may have been less firm, more “fluid” in earlier times closer to its creation. All foods and drinks may be eaten on Shabbos, even if used theraputically, and even if potentially harmful. An example is Babylonian beer made from dates which can solve intestinal difficulties for some, and cause difficulties for others. Egyptian zitom cured a spectrum of stomach issues, and was especially helpful between Passover and Shavuos. Many cures for jaundice are listed. One of them also causes sterility. May it be administered, and to whom? The commandment to be fruitful and multiply is a huge subject, here we simply mention that Jewish men are obligated to try until they father a boy and a girl (with many codicils and exceptions that require further discussion on another day). Women and non-Jews are richly rewarded for ensuring that another generation will come along to replace ours