We tend to push away death and avoid discussing it; At times due to fear, other times the heart is not free to deal with these issues and at times we are worried about the “Evil Eye”. From Yaakov Avinu we can learn quite the opposite.

Advanced modern medicine brings with it the great blessing of improved quality of life and prolonged life expectancy. However, many moral dilemmas have arisen based on the scientific ability to implement medical knowledge acquired throughout the years. In this essay, Rabbi Yuval Cherlow analyzes the Jewish position towards the possibility to extend life, and even more divisive, towards shortening life.

The British Supreme Court approved the disconnection of the child with a brain injury from a mechanical ventilator, even refusing to accept the parents’ request to transfer her for treatment in the Israel. This determination is classified in Jewish ethics and Israeli law – as murder.

Chapter 5 – Prolongation of Life Based on the Account of Rabbi Chanina Ben Tradyon

Chapter 7 – Palliative Care

Chapter 6 – Removing an Object Preventing Death

Chapter 4 – Prolongation of Life – At All Costs?

An overarching essay divided by topic regarding the treatment of the elderly and the sick in modern day, according to halacha and Jewish sources.

Cognitive impairment, loss of decision-making capacity, and the inability to communicate together create a complex reality where the patient is unable to express their wishes. However, there are a host of original solutions dedicated to these complicated situations.