Blind Person (Iver)

A blind person (Iver) is someone whose sense of sight is impaired, and as a result cannot see. There are many types and causes of blindness; the problem can be in the eye, the nerves, or the brain.

Names for the Blind

The blind person in the language of the Sages is called "Suma" or "Sagi Nahor."

The Rebbe asks why a blind person is called "Sagi Nahor," which means "abundance of light," when seemingly this mocks the blind person who has no abundance of light or vision? He explains that a blind person actually has very powerful light and vision. So why can't they see? Because the light is so strong that the vessels of the eye cannot contain this light, and therefore they cannot see.

Specifically through the descent of not seeing (temporarily), there is later an ascent and vision that is many times stronger, like the advantage of light from darkness, because specifically through darkness and concealment, the revelation of light becomes more elevated and stronger.

Blind People in the Torah

In the Torah, blind people and many stories connected to blindness are mentioned:

• Yitzchak Avinu's eyes dimmed, meaning his vision weakened greatly from old age, and thus Yaakov was able to take the blessings instead of Eisav.
• Yaakov Avinu also became blind from old age.
• When Pharaoh wanted to kill Moshe for killing the Egyptian, Hashem blinded all those present so Moshe could escape.
• Bilam the wicked was blind in one eye.
• Shimshon the mighty was blinded by the Philistines.
• Eli the Kohen became blind from old age.
• Bava ben Buta was blinded by Herod.
• Rav Yosef was blind and nevertheless was expert in the entire Torah until he was called "Sinai."
• Rav Sheshet was blind, and nevertheless was expert in his learning to the extent that he reviewed his entire learning in thirty days.

Halachot for the Blind

General Obligation in Mitzvot

According to Rabbi Yehuda, a blind person is exempt from mitzvot, but the Sages hold that a blind person is obligated in mitzvot (and the halacha follows them).

Blessing of "Pokeach Ivrim" (Who Opens the Eyes of the Blind)

A blind person does not recite the blessing "Pokeach Ivrim" since this is something they lack.

Tzitzit

A blind person is obligated in the mitzvah of tzitzit, and although it is written "and you shall see it," this comes to exclude night garments.

Being Called to the Torah

According to the Shulchan Aruch, a blind person should not be called up to the Torah, but according to the Rama, it is permitted.

Shabbat Candles

It is preferable that the husband of a blind woman light the candles. If she could see in the past and was accustomed to lighting, she may continue, but she should try to light first.

The Blind in the Redemption

In the Redemption, all blind people will be healed, as it is said, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened." Moreover, they will be the first to be healed.

Braille Script

Braille is a special script for the blind that is written by embossing the letters and is read by touch.

In 5745 the Rebbe encouraged the famed author, Mr. Herman Wouk, to publish sections of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in braille, after he was intrumnetal in a project of the Chumash in braille.

In the year 5751 (1990-1991), the Tanya was printed in Braille, and the Rebbe explained that now Mashiach must come, because "when your wellsprings spread outward" has already been fulfilled to the extent that even the blind can learn Chassidut.

A few years ago, the Dvar Malchut book was printed in Braille, initiated by Schneor Urian and Yosef Ben David (who is himself blind).

See Also

• Sagi Nahor language
• Sense of sight

External Links

• Dvar Malchut printed in Braille