Knowledge on the Deeper Side

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 5

With You In Mind: Ethical Treatment of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Those suffering with mental illness have often been viewed in society as possessed by the devil, or otherwise evil. Jewish law, however, has long recognized this as a disease, and acknowledges both the limitations of responsibility that this state imposes, as well as the essential humanity of people suffering with mental illness. Jewish law recognizes that there may well be islands of ability at the same time that limitations exist. It encourages the maximum participation possible, while outlining the role the community must play in protecting their interests. The lesson also considers inclusion and integration, and the value of engaging all members of the community in active Jewish life.

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 6

Secret Code: Genetics and the Ethics of Patient Confidentiality

A basic presumption of modern medical practice is that patients have a right for their medical history to be kept confidential unless they explicitly waive those rights. What happens, however, when those records contain information that might impact other family members? Do children have the right to know they are carriers of a particular disease, or may the parent keep that information private? This lesson looks at some ways of balancing the harm to the individual whose privacy is invaded against the need to provide family members with vital health information.

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 1

Choosing Life: The Obligation to Seek Treatment

This lesson examines Jewish perspectives on pursuing medical care, as well as declining it. Is it ever acceptable, or even preferable, to sim­ply rely on faith, prayer, and one’s own resources? How does Judaism justify medical intervention? And is it an obligation or a choice? May other family members force us to seek treatment that we do not want? This lesson examines the ethics of issues involving patient auton­omy within the modern health care system.

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 2

Flesh of My Flesh: Organ Transplants in Jewish Law

Hundreds of thousands of people find their lives hanging in the balance as they hope for the gift of life in the form of a vital organ such as a heart, lung, or kidney. By receiving an organ, they are literally given a new lease on life. Yet there is a tremendous shortage of available organs. Does Jewish law allow the donation of organs, either from a live donor or one who is recently deceased? Do we have the authority to give a body part away? Might it go further, actively encouraging or even mor­ally compelling one to donate under certain circumstances? This lesson provides a nuanced and compassionate look at the sensitive ethical issues governing organ donation.

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 3

Rolling the Dice: Risky and Experimental Treatments

Often, people with rare or incurable illnesses consider untested experimental treatment, gambling that they will be cured. May one participate in an experimental treatment with no guarantee of success that also has the danger of shortening life? Can we define the allowable odds? Do our personal preferences and values hold any weight? And does the same hold true for children? Does it matter that participating in this experimental treatment will provide important knowledge that will be helpful in curing others?

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 4

New Beginnings: The Ethics of Reproductive Technologies

Many couples struggle with infertility. In their efforts to bear a child, they are often cast into the complicated ethical web of the new reproductive technologies, many of which call into question the very definition of a parent. In the age of sperm donation, egg donation, and surrogacy, can a child have more than two parents? How does Judaism look at “designer babies”? Can we pre-select the gender of the child to match parent preferences or to prevent genetic illnesses? How far must one go in the quest for biological children, and what recourse is there for those who are unable to bear children of their own?

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 5

With You In Mind: Ethical Treatment of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Those suffering with mental illness have often been viewed in society as possessed by the devil, or otherwise evil. Jewish law, however, has long recognized this as a disease, and acknowledges both the limitations of responsibility that this state imposes, as well as the essential humanity of people suffering with mental illness. Jewish law recognizes that there may well be islands of ability at the same time that limitations exist. It encourages the maximum participation possible, while outlining the role the community must play in protecting their interests. The lesson also considers inclusion and integration, and the value of engaging all members of the community in active Jewish life.

Medicine and Morals - Lesson 6

Secret Code: Genetics and the Ethics of Patient Confidentiality

A basic presumption of modern medical practice is that patients have a right for their medical history to be kept confidential unless they explicitly waive those rights. What happens, however, when those records contain information that might impact other family members? Do children have the right to know they are carriers of a particular disease, or may the parent keep that information private? This lesson looks at some ways of balancing the harm to the individual whose privacy is invaded against the need to provide family members with vital health information.

Decoding the Universe - Part 13

"Fragile Cups"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 3, 2019)

There was once a king who possessed fragile glass cups. The king said, "If I fill them with hot liquid they will crack; but if I fill them with cold liquid, they will condensate (and discolor the cups)." What did the king do? He mixed the hot with the cold, poured it into the cups, and they remained intact.

This is an ancient parable found in the Midrash Bereishit Rabbah. And it holds the key to the very fabric of existence.

Existence is the product of the most delicate balance. Too hot, and existence shatters. Too cold, and existence becomes ugly. Just the right amount of hot and cold -- now we're talking...

In this masterful session of Kabbalah & Coffee we decode this wondrous Midrash and explore its mystical themes. What are the "cups"? What is the "liquid"? And why was "hot" the first option? Listen on to find out!

Decoding the Universe - Part 13

"Fragile Cups"

With Rabbi Ari Sollish

(Recorded live at the Intown Jewish Academy on February 3, 2019)

There was once a king who possessed fragile glass cups. The king said, "If I fill them with hot liquid they will crack; but if I fill them with cold liquid, they will condensate (and discolor the cups)." What did the king do? He mixed the hot with the cold, poured it into the cups, and they remained intact.

This is an ancient parable found in the Midrash Bereishit Rabbah. And it holds the key to the very fabric of existence.

Existence is the product of the most delicate balance. Too hot, and existence shatters. Too cold, and existence becomes ugly. Just the right amount of hot and cold -- now we're talking...

In this masterful session of Kabbalah & Coffee we decode this wondrous Midrash and explore its mystical themes. What are the "cups"? What is the "liquid"? And why was "hot" the first option? Listen on to find out!