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The First Case of Anesthesia

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By Leonard Hoenig MD - FJN Torah Doctor

Modern day general anesthesia can include the following features: 1) analgesia: blocking pain sensation. 2) Hypnosis: producing unconsciousness. 3) Amnesia: preventing memory formation. 4) Relaxation: preventing unwanted movement. All of these features characterize the first case of anesthesia which is recorded in Parshas Bereishis. According to the Torah, Adam and Eve were created attached together and then separated (Rashi, Bereishis 2:21). To accomplish this "surgical" feat of separation, Hashem placed Adam into a deep sleep which in Torah terminology is called "Tardemah".

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The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 17:5) notes that there are three kinds of Tardemah. The first is the Tardemah of sleep, as in Adam’s case. The second is the Tardemah of prophecy that occurred to Abraham as described in Bereishis 15:12. The third is the Tardemah of unconsciousness, a type of hibernation that effected King Saul and his three thousand soldiers as related in I Samuel 26:12).

In Adam’s case, the main purpose of the deep sleep was analgesia so that he would not experience pain during the separation procedure (Radak). Adam was also rendered unconscious (hypnosis and amnesia) so that he would not see the piece of flesh from which Eve was formed so she would not become repulsive to him (Rashi). It is likely that Adam’s muscles were also relaxed to facilitate the procedure (Samson Raphael Hirsch).

A case of anesthesia is mentioned in the Gemara when Rabbi Elazar the son of Rabbi Shimon is given a sleeping potion of unknown type prior to a surgical procedure (Bava Metzia 83b). In antiquity, opium-like preparations, alcohol and various herbs were used for analgesic purposes. A piece of frankincense in wine was given to condemned Jewish prisoners on the way to execution in order to allay their fear and dull their senses (Sanhedrin 43a).

The rise of modern day anesthesia began in the mid 1800’s with the introduction of nitrous oxide, diethyl ether and chloroform to produce general anesthesia in patients. The great breakthroughs in 20th century surgery were made possible with the help of skilled anesthesiologists keeping patients alive and pain free during prolonged surgical procedures. All anesthesiologists today can be proud that they are following in the footsteps of the greatest anesthesiologist of all time: the Almighty , who helped the first man get through his surgical procedure pain free and in good health.

The author appreciates the helpful comments of Dr. Salomon Imiak, a noted anesthesiologist in South Florida, in preparing this article.


Posted by Leonard Hoenig MD - FJN Torah Doctor on 10/03 at 03:55 PM • Hits: 128



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