A Neutral Opinion

5/8/2019

Question: As a frum mother, I take issue with the many people who are judging me on a daily basis. I firmly believe that vaccinations are dangerous, and I have seen the studies and information firsthand. Yet, because others are ill-informed or misguided, they are excluding my children from activities and treating them like outcasts. One of my former good friends won’t allow my children to play with her children anymore because my kids aren’t vaccinated. It’s so silly; if they think vaccinations really help, why are they worried about us being vaccinated? They’re “protected!” I feel really bad for my kids and wish I could explain to them that I’m doing this because I love them so much. The issue is that my kids, ages 6, 9, and 13, are hearing false narratives and lies and they are so confused. How can I convince my children that I’m here to help? I’ll even put my name to this question. Name Redacted

I really didn’t want to get drawn into this, but I’ve been receiving many emails from both sides. I removed your name since I feel uncomfortable publishing it. There are many rabbanim and doctors who are far more qualified to discuss this topic, but, for the sake of the children, I’m going to share my two cents.

To make sure I was not biased in either direction, I read information from both sides. I read the Vaccine Safety Handbook A4 which was published in late 2017 by P.E.A.C.H., an anonymous organization allegedly dedicated to helping children. I also carefully read their “Tachlis Information Flyer,” which answers many questions about vaccinations. We’re not talking about a small fringe group, but rather a large group of people that has the blessings of some of our gedolim.

I didn’t have to go far to find many articles “debunking” the myths of “anti-vaxxers.” I read lots of information, although I didn’t read anything that was produced by pharmaceuticals, since one could argue that they might be biased and self-serving. I read articles from both sides, written by doctors and rabbanim, and researched their claims as best as I could.

I refuse to be drawn into name-calling. It’s obvious to me that one side is misinformed and making a terrible mistake. We, as humans, have a hard time admitting we’re wrong. Once we decide on an opinion we’re closed-minded, and tend to block out differing views. Baruch Hashem, I have tens of thousands of online readers, and countless more who read these articles in various newspapers. I’m hoping that my readers understand that I’ve been completely neutral in researching this controversial topic. All I ask is that you read the entire article before responding to me. If at any point you disagree, that’s fine. Just please finish the entire article.

I spoke to a father who is 100 percent against vaccinations. I asked him, “What would it take to get you to understand the importance of vaccinations?” He told me, “If a voice came down from the heavens, I still wouldn’t listen!” He then quoted the pasuk “Lo baShamayim hi,” insinuating that it is our responsibility as people to make the correct decisions.

I then spoke to a father who is pro-vaccination and asked him the opposite question. He replied, “I’ll give away all my money to an organization of your choice. It’ll never happen!” He was quiet for a few seconds and then he continued. “I actually didn’t do any research. I’m very confident that I’m correct.”

Therefore, it seems that both sides have convinced themselves that not only are they correct, but the other group is making a massive chillul Hashem or is the victim of a nefarious “conspiracy theory.” I don’t believe that anyone in this controversy is inherently evil; rather, there must be a plethora of incorrect information going around. I’ve been on a quest to find the truth.

Let’s first remove the information that’s useless. The anti-vaxxers frequently quote our president, Donald Trump. He is being quoted as confirming the dangers or unknowns of vaccinations. Is this true? The answer is: yes. He is on record as saying many things on this subject, including, more recently, advocating vaccinations. However, although I love most of his policies, self-control is not one of his stronger points. Our president has a habit of weighing in on things he knows very little about. He is neither a scientist nor a doctor, and, therefore, b’mechilas k’vodo, I won’t be using his statements to advocate for either position on vaccinations.

Many rabbanim and gedolim have been drawn into the fray. I’ve heard the names of some truly great leaders being used as support on both sides. I don’t know how gedolim make their judgments, but without direct evidence of what they said and a direct explanation of why they said it, I cannot offer an opinion about it. Therefore, although every iota of my being has been raised to follow the gedolim, I’m going to research this from a different angle. I’m not saying, chas v’shalom, that I don’t trust our gedolim. As anyone who has read my columns knows I am a huge proponent of speaking to a rav. Rather, I’m trying to ascertain from a purely scientific view what the correct path is to follow.

I’m not even going to allow doctors to tell me what’s right or wrong. My doctor has a strong opinion, but if the pharmaceutical companies want to push an opinion, it would seem that doctors would be the first influencers on their list. Again, I’m not saying that I don’t trust doctors. On the contrary, my doctor’s opinion is important to me. In this instance, though, I’m trying to be 100 percent unbiased. I hope that I’ve accomplished my goal. If I’ve offended anyone with this lengthy introduction, please forgive me, as it was not intentional. I really didn’t want to get involved in this debate, but, again, if children are being affected, I must weigh in.

What this really boils down to are two simple questions. Are vaccinations necessary? Are they safe?

To answer those questions, I did some of my own research. I didn’t read any articles that were suggested by either side. I won’t bore you with all the information, but it was exhaustive. I checked to see if there was any correlation to autism. I analyzed the ingredients in the vaccines to see if they were harmful. I tracked down and spoke with professors from both sides of the argument. The answer was really quite shocking.

Are vaccinations necessary? The answer is: Only if we want to prevent and eliminate harmful diseases. Are they safe? Yes. To be brutally honest, finding this information wasn’t difficult. The proofs and facts are indisputable. So, what about the many proofs that are brought by those who claim how dangerous vaccinations are? I researched them. Lies! That’s a harsh word, but it’s a fact. Much of the information being disseminated in these pamphlets and other media is completely incorrect.

One example is how the anti-vaccination pamphlet lists the ingredients of the vaccines. Mercury, formaldehyde, aluminum, fetal cells, gelatin. The list seems endless, and the pamphlet details how dangerous each ingredient seems to be. However, it neglects to mention the quantities, reasons, and testing methods for each ingredient. If you do any research whatsoever, you’ll realize that it’s completely safe. Here’s an example. One pamphlet I read details the serious dangers of aluminum in the bloodstream. Many paragraphs explain what aluminum can do to a body. However, a quick search online found the following.

“In the first six months of life, babies receive about four milligrams of aluminum if they get all of the recommended vaccines. However, during this same period they will ingest about 10 milligrams of aluminum if they are breastfed, 40 milligrams if they are fed regular infant formula, and up to 120 milligrams if they are fed soy-based infant formula.”

Basically, it’s like hearing a court case with only one side present. The anonymous people aren’t hiding because they are worried for their safety. They are hiding behind the shield of anonymity because they know that they are deliberately misleading others. I am not exaggerating when I say that researching this topic was very simple. The facts are right in front of us!

I’m not sure what people have to gain by deceiving others about this. Perhaps they think they’re doing a chesed for the community? Perhaps they’re conspiracy theorists? In any case, if you’re reading this and you’re anti-vaccinations, there are two things you should know.

1) You’ve been lied to. 2) You’re harming others.

Without turning this forum into a quasi-medical journal, here are some fundamental facts regarding vaccinations. Getting vaccinated doesn’t make you 100 percent safe. There is still a small chance you can get very sick. Therefore, the argument of “If they want to get vaccinated, it’s fine, but leave us alone” is a poor and selfish one. Additionally, very young children cannot get vaccinated. Do you realize the heartache and pain you’re causing when a young couple’s first child gets measles at six months of age because you believe it’s a “simple disease?” Sure, you wanted a fun chol ha’moed, but during that outing you destroyed the lives of others. How horribly selfish!

Would you like proof that you’re wrong? Much of the information I read in your magazines and articles poked fun at doctors. It portrays them as simpletons, nincompoops, and money-hungry barbarians. Really? Aren’t these the same people who are there 24/7 to help you and your loved ones? When your children are sick, do you start second-guessing whatever they say? How could you possibly think that anonymous people, putting out incorrect pamphlets, are smarter and more caring than the doctor who has devoted his or her life to helping others?

That should have been the biggest warning sign. Once people start sowing distrust among you and those you’re close with, you should realize that they’re incorrect. We’re supposed to promote peace and unity! We all know Hillel’s famous statement in Pirkei Avos: “Be among the disciples of Aharon — a lover of peace (ohev shalom) and a pursuer of peace (rodef shalom).” Telling people not to trust their doctors or rabbanim seems to be the opposite of what the Mishnah tells us.

On the flip side, yelling and making fun of those who don’t vaccinate won’t help either. If anything, it pushes those people further away. Someone told me, “This is why the goyim hate us!” It’s sheker! Those who want to hate us will do so no matter what. We’re not even giving them ammunition; they create their own ammunition at will.

If someone really wants to help those who don’t know, there are better ways to do it. Validate that they have information that seems accurate, but explain that those who know best have proven this information false. Most importantly, vaccinate your children as soon as possible, and get the booster shots.

To answer the question you posed, I wouldn’t let my kids hang out with your children either! You have been lied to, and you are hurting others with your stubborn inaction. Those who are yelling at you are wrong in using that tactic, but their hearts are in the right place. They want to stop innocent people from getting sick. If you’re a good mother and want to do what’s best for your family, please vaccinate your children.

Note from Rabbi Ross - I understand that this is a controversial topic. I will try and respond to comments below, but I won't allow any that have name calling (we're at 14 so far unfortunately). Please keep everything civil.

R Jordan, PhD

5/8/2019 09:17:05 am

I’m very disappointed by the unscientific and shallow response, after the tremendous introduction suggesting much research was done. On the contrary, your “quick search online“ suggesting aluminum in vaccines must be totally fine because babies drink aluminum in formula and breast milk was a bit too quick.

This overly simplistic comparison is unscientific; injection is not ingestion. In fact, a Pubmed search of the scientific literature will reveal countless articles by world renowned researchers including Exely and Schoenfeld, that aluminum adjuvants in vaccines are actually quite unhealthy and give rise not only to autoimmine disease, but also to primary ovarian failure, otherwise known as infertility. Therefore, vaccines are not guaranteed to be safe.

In fact, dr Gregory Poland, editor of peer reviewed journal Vaccine, urges for an updated MMR. There are too many things to detail here; suffice to say your quick online search was a bit too quick.

Considering that a primary mitzvah is having children, in vaccinating our children we are precluding them from fulfilling this mitzvah.

Very disappointing article. Parents would do well, however, to heed Rabbi Ross’ advice and follow his example in not taking medical advice from a rabbi (especially one who cannot provide basic current scientific knowledge). In that, he is quite correct.

Rabbi Ross

5/8/2019 09:30:39 am

You’re making an assumption that I didn’t do enough research. That’s incorrect. Here are the facts. I did all the research. I read what you are talking about, I just felt no need to go through every detail. I simplified it since there are parents that rely on this opinion, and I wanted to be fair. I personally began this article feeling very opposed to vaccines. I changed my mind.

Did you know that Dr. Gregory Polan actually advocated for everyone getting this vaccine? He does say that it’s not the perfect vaccine, but he went on record as saying “I don't think my patients who reject vaccines are nuts. They have come to conclusion – I believe their conclusion is in error – but they have come to a conclusion that the vaccine is not good.” He says many other amazing facts, including a story about a young girl who dies from measles. He said, “It was such a bad case that this woman's life was tragically altered by the death of her baby daughter, and for as long as this mother lives, she regrets every day that she did not immunize her child.” Are you sure you want to use Dr. Polan as a proof?

Did you know that many published articles regarding the topic of aluminum you brought up, have been retracted? One article called ““Subcutaneous injections of aluminum at vaccine adjuvant levels activate innate immune genes in mouse brain that are homologous with biomarkers of autism” which I was using as a proof to NOT vaccinate ended up being retracted. I had just finished reviewing it when I read “This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief and Authors, due to evidence of incorrect data. The data of gel images in several figures are incorrectly presented. Given that the authors can no longer access the original gels and it would be necessary to redo the experiments, it is concluded that the data and results presented in this paper are clearly not reliable. In light of these concerns, the Editor-in-Chief and Authors have jointly decided to retract the article. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the preparation and submission process. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 177 (2017) 39–54, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.08.035.”

Other articles have been painstakingly reviewed and proven completely false. In some cases, the writers have turned out to have ulterior motives. In other cases, the data they were using was completely incorrect. One case involving a girl who suffered from primary ovarian failure, neglected to mention that the vaccine was given over seven years before the failure. One prominent doctor wanted to understand the correlation – how can you connect an issue that many years later?

Suffice it to say, I did a really in-depth review. I read all of the studies before I wrote my response, and I, unlike most people, was completely neutral. The fact that you are not being open-minded doesn’t mean I was flippant or quick about this, rather that you refuse to admit facts. Many of the doctors and scientists that are anti-vaccination have been using incorrect, at the very least, or even falsified data for their work. Do you look at both sides of every publication like I did? I’m guessing you only read the ones that follow your views. That’s a real shame.

You wrote “Considering that a primary mitzvah is having children, in vaccinating our children we are precluding them from fulfilling this mitzvah.” There are hundreds of thousands of Jewish children born to parents that were vaccinated. However, what about the infants dying from measles? Doesn’t that factor in to your decision? Do you know of anyone that was vaccinated that can’t have children? I doubt it. I know of at least three families that lost babies to this preventable disease.

Here’s a question for you, one that I ask all people with strong opinions. What would it take to convince you that you are making a mistake? I was willing to incur the wrath of the world by writing about the dangers of vaccinations if it were true. It’s not. I wish upon you clarity so you can make this important decision without being clouded by your emotions.

One last point. You wrote that people should follow my example in not taking medical advice from a rabbi. That’s not what I wrote. Since I was trying to be completely unbiased and scientific, I didn’t use Rabbonim as a catalyst for any side. On a personal level, I do listen to my Rav, and he and countless other Rabbonim that know all pertinent information, have urged everyone to vaccinate. My children are vaccinated.

Have a great week! YR

Dr Rachael Schindler link

5/10/2019 07:01:48 am

Through my specialized work with autoimmune diseases I have found another option besides just vaccinate or refusing to vaccinate. The issue of the autoimmune response in certain individuals producing autism like symptoms is a valid one. So instead of fear driving our decision let’s go the source and address the problem. The issue stems from a genetic mutation called the MTHFR gene. A simple blood test can check for this gene which is responsible for a while host of other issues including hear disease, miscarriages, Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes and the like. If the child is homozygous for the the 6T genes (meaning he/she got if from both his parents in both counts) I would suggest not taking the shot until after 6 years old, formaldehyde free and fortified in a few other ways so as lot to activate the gene into an autoimmune response. Most doctors don’t know about this alternative and it isn’t taught in medical school. I work especially with this population and I want to spread the word out that there is an option! TEST! The kids without the genes will be ok and it’s necessary as well. Please spread the word! I lectured about this extensively at Meisner’s Pesach program in Stamford, Connecticut this year to amazing applause.

Devorah S.

5/8/2019 09:51:23 am

I read through this very carefully. I have not vaccinated my children since my Rav is against vaccinations. In my case, no one knows. We've been discussing it at home, and I was thrilled to see you discussed it. I can't promise to vaccinate, but I will show this to my Rav. Do I have your permission to have him contact you?

5/8/2019 10:07:44 am

Your Rav is more than welcome to contact me through this site. However, although I did do a lot of research, there are many people who are far more knowledgeable on this subject. I will most likely refer him to someone else unless I feel that I am qualified to respond to all of his questions.

Private

5/8/2019 11:17:22 am

I must say that I've been reading your articles since you began writing many years ago. This one really bothered me. When it comes to parenting questions you usually are spot on because that's your territory. What gives you the right to discuss this issue? What are your qualification? Shouldn't this discussion be left up to the experts?

5/8/2019 11:26:32 am

What makes parenting my territory? All of the answers I give are merely my opinions. There are times you might agree with what I write and there are times you might not. When in doubt, I ask others for advice or I research the question. In this case I researched the information. It’s obvious that you don’t like my conclusion since I would have concluded that vaccinations were bad, you would have thought I was a genius. Therefore, your issue is not with my opinion, rather with the fact that I came to a different conclusion than you did. I think you need to try and review the facts with an open mind.

Binyamin Gurowitz

5/8/2019 11:44:09 am

I hope with all my heart that people will listen to your impartial response. While you are correct that we should be nicer to these people, it’s not so simple when they’re hurting other people. They are in a sense killing others. Don’t we have right to fight back?

Anonymous

5/8/2019 12:26:27 pm

I’m sure you’re getting many emails and responses about this. It was very brave of you to publish it. Thanks!

5/8/2019 12:59:03 pm

Yes. Over 40 so far. Most people are unhappy with my findings, but I can't approve any comments that are inappropriate. I keep replying with the following. "Thank you for your comment. When you can rephrase your comment or question in an appropriate way, I can respond." Everyone has to ask themselves the same question. What would it take for you to change your mind? It’s a difficult question to answer.

Jeff Wexelbaum

5/9/2019 10:03:54 am

Rabbi Ross. Others think that you didn't do enough research. I know you pretty well, and I believe that you DID do a lot of research. I think that you looked in the wrong places. Your conclusion while understandable is lacking. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I believe that there is more going on here than meets the eye. I urge you to do even more research until you come to the correct analysis.

5/9/2019 11:07:08 am

You are not the only person to suggest this, although you wrote your response very well. The fact is, you won’t agree with my conclusion until it aligns with your thought process. That is the only part about this subject that really bothers me. Everyone has an opinion which is normal. However, in this discussion, people are digging in and getting so upset if others don’t agree. I was impartial when I began, and I came to the conclusion that vaccinations are necessary. I would definitely agree that if there were no diseases we wouldn’t’ want to be putting chemicals in our bodies. The fact is there are diseases. We need these vaccinations, and I hope and pray that all those people who disagree with me, will at least talk it through with the experts, and listen to them.

Alexis

5/9/2019 02:43:19 pm

Rabbi Ross,

Sadly it looks like you are very biased in your article contrary to what you thought you’d put out, after the tremendous introduction suggesting much research was done!

First let’s talk safety – the cdc was sued exactly for that – since 1986 the safety studies weren’t happening and the Supreme Court agreed and the case was won (why safety testing isn’t starting, I can’t answer since I don’t know). For one example and no, not because of Wakefield – his study was in 1998 I believe…and my family hasn’t vaccinated since the early 80’s before President Reagan signed the Act (which promised safety testing yearly)!
For my example, how can people, sit by and watch the numbers rise, from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 36 and not think we have a problem???

Also you failed to look at the difference between injected aluminum versus ingested aluminum.
Wouldn’t any thinking person wonder if there is a different elimination process between those 2 methods? And then look further to discover that there is quite a difference and in fact, we don’t know what the aluminum does in the body, where it ends up or how long it stays there.

I love my doctor and go to him when I need his expertise and yes he is the best diagnostician out there….but again he has no expertise on vaccines being that he never learned or studied any of their components or side effects!!
You can go and ask doctors, and go through what it is they learned and the honest ones will tell you the truth about how long they dwelled on vaccines!! If vaccines were safety tested autoimmune diseases wouldn’t be on the rise.
Have you ever read the vaccine insert when you went to your doctor before saying yes to giving the vaccine to your children? Why is it ok for a mother to be told it has nothing to do with vaccines when her child starts to have seizures, or insane eczema, or crazy high fever 24/48 hours or even a week after their vaccines when her beautiful and perfect child never had anything!!
What about the long term effects??

Also how come every time we try to set up a debate between “Anti-Vax” and “Pro-Vax” it never sees the light of day, because the provax bow out!
What are they afraid of, if they know all the information they need to win the debate?? Why are there tactics on how to make parents not question the vaccine or get informed by the doctor if the doctor has the right information to give?

Unvaccinated children have been in the school system forever and didn’t spread the disease – if you look closely this “outbreak” which by the way is , I believe still at 0.01 or less of the population therefore shouldn’t even be called an outbreak or epidemic but it is because it’s located amongst the Jews, in close knit communities.

To quote a picture I saw, “Remember it didn’t start with gas chambers. It started with politicians dividing the people with “us vs them.” It started with intolerance and hate speech and when people stopped caring, became desensitized and turned a blind eye.”

Do you know how many non Jews are out there that don’t vaccinate??
The media just wants to ostracize the Jews because that’s what they do best
But if you’d look deeper, there ARE non jews who don’t vaccinate and they are in the 100k+ in the US. The number has grown four fold since the early 2000’s.

Holly’s Law, which exempts second MMR if titers are demonstrated after the first. This law is named after a little girl, Holly, who died after her second MMR.

Also have you looked into how much has been paid out to families with vaccine injury – 4 billion dollars to date.
As the cdc and VAERS say, only 10% is actually reported as vaccine injury.
That means 40 billion dollars could have been paid out to the poor families who
either lost a child or are suffering with children who cannot function on their own!! Look around at how many special education institutions have opened since the 80’s and then the 90’s and then now!
They don’t stop!!!! Why is this ok???

I wish you hatzlacha in finding more truths and realizing that mothers who choose not to vaccinate their children know that there is risk in both vaccinating and not vaccinating and don’t stop learning and asking more questions while mothers who vaccinate believe they are doing the right thing and trust their doctors blindly until they are the victim of a vaccine injury.

Lastly, I don’t care to be wrong or right
I care to keep my children safe and yes other people’s children safe as well.

Just remember once the government can make decisions and impose medical decisions on us they can impose whatever they want on us!

For example: Bris Mila

Hatzlacha

5/9/2019 04:05:33 pm

Thank you for your response. Just because I didn’t come to the same conclusion that you did, doesn’t mean I am biased. Everything that you wrote, and I mean everything, I read during the past few weeks. I read other studies which were absolutely frightening. I was clear in my response that worrying about how the goyim view us isn’t something that bothers me. If they want to hate us, they don’t need excuses. There are many non-Jews that don’t vaccinate either, and a few of them have already e-mailed me.

I have no doubt that people have been injured or worse from reactions to vaccinations. I also am well aware of the ingredients, the difference between injections versus ingested, and much more. I still believe, that the MMR vaccine will save lives. All that you need to understand, is that there is more going on that any of us know. I don’t think there is a conspiracy, rather a lot of incorrect information going on.

I wasn’t only looking at autism. I looked at infertility, skin diseases, and even learning disabilities. I wasn’t paid by anyone to write this, and I really went into this with an open mind. All I ask everyone, is to have that same open mind. This much I firmly believe. If people don’t vaccinate, the result will be much worse.

Are there people out there that deny there are any issues with the vaccine? Yes. Some people think that everything is perfect. Other people think that if they get a vaccine, their life as they know it is over. That’s completely untrue. My question to you is simple. Who would be able to convince you that it’s safer to be vaccinated?
In any case, thank you for reading, and for writing real information as opposed to comments like “You are completely wrong and obviously delusional! How could you be pro vaccinations!?” I wish upon you the same that I wish on everyone else. Health and Nachas from your children. Have a great Shabbos!

Devorah

5/9/2019 06:07:13 pm

The Panic Virus by Seth Mnookin as well as Deadly Choices by Paul Offit are both excellent resources to learn more about the history of the vaccines and the fear behind them. On Immunity by Eula Bliss is also a great resource. There is also a publication by the Association of Jewish Nurses that is out called PIE that addresses the arguments in PEACH.

Avraham

5/22/2019 10:42:07 am

"Once people start sowing distrust among you and those you’re close with, you should realize that they’re incorrect. We’re supposed to promote peace and unity!"

Finally! A good argument! You can't fight distrust and fighting with facts that rely on trust and clear thinking!

e.g. science says... the doctor says...

Who told you, the doctor? I don't trust him and now you're on his side so I can't trust you.

Showing desire for peace and unity which is a common ground that hits home, something everyone recognizes, knows, and truly desires, can overcome the transient desire to distrust and fight, which will allow people to see facts objectively.

I wish I could publish a whole article just about that.

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