And You Shall Surely Heal | Concepts, Computers and Coffee

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Summary:

Comprehensive Summary of And You Shall Surely Heal

Overview

And You Shall Surely Heal is a compendium exploring the intersection of Torah and medicine. It was compiled and edited by medical students, rabbis, and scholars at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) Synagogue. The work blends Jewish law (halacha) with contemporary medical ethics, addressing complex issues such as the sanctity of life, the role of physicians in healing, and bioethical dilemmas. The publication is part of a broader effort to integrate Torah values with medical practice, reinforcing the concept that medical healing is not only permissible but a religious duty.

Structure and Key Themes

1. Preface and Introduction

   • The journal was conceived under the guidance of Rabbi Alex Mondrow and others, aiming to cultivate a scholarly approach to medical halacha among Jewish medical students.
   • The introduction traces the historical development of Jewish medical ethics, from the works of Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits to contemporary scholars like Dr. Avraham Steinberg and Rabbi J. David Bleich.
   • The volume is unique in that it is written largely by medical students, reflecting a new generation of Jewish physician-scholars.

2. Philosophical Foundations of Healing in Judaism

   • The book opens with a discussion on the Jewish view of medicine, emphasizing that healing is a divine mandate. The key biblical verse cited is Verapo Yerape ("and he shall surely heal," Exodus 21:19), which establishes that human intervention in healing is sanctioned by the Torah.
   • It explores how classical Jewish sources balance faith in divine providence with the responsibility of humans to seek and provide medical treatment.

3. Halachic (Jewish Legal) Perspectives on Medical Practice

   • Healing on Shabbat: The principle that preservation of life (pikuach nefesh) overrides Shabbat laws is examined, with specific discussions on when and how violations are permissible.
   • Physicians as Divine Agents: The text discusses whether doctors act as independent healers or as agents of God, a debate that has implications for ethical decision-making.
   • Medical Treatment and Halacha: The book delves into whether halacha permits, requires, or limits medical interventions, especially in cases of uncertainty.

4. Specific Medical and Ethical Issues

   • Abortion in Jewish Law: Analyzes cases where abortion is permitted, forbidden, or required, considering factors such as maternal health and fetal abnormalities.
   • Stem Cell Research and Cloning: Discusses the permissibility of using embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes, with insights from leading rabbinic authorities.
   • End-of-Life Care and Euthanasia: Examines Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach's views on when medical interventions should be stopped, the obligation to relieve suffering, and the prohibition of active euthanasia.
   • Triage and Resource Allocation: Looks at how Jewish law prioritizes patients when medical resources are scarce, drawing parallels to modern hospital policies.

5. Medical Practice and Jewish Identity

   • Priests (Kohanim) Studying Medicine: Discusses whether kohanim (descendants of the ancient priestly class) can study medicine, given the restrictions on their contact with corpses.
   • Concierge Medicine and Halacha: Explores ethical concerns regarding VIP healthcare and whether preferential treatment for wealthier patients is permissible.
   • Gynecological Procedures and Niddah: Addresses halachic implications of gynecological exams and treatments on a woman's ritual purity status.

6. Historical Perspectives on Medicine and Jewish Law

   • Rabbi Israel Salanter and the Cholera Epidemic: Describes how Rabbi Salanter permitted eating on Yom Kippur during the 1848 cholera outbreak, demonstrating the priority of health over fasting.
   • Surgical Alterations in Jewish Thought: Examines traditional and modern views on elective surgeries, including cosmetic procedures and gender-related operations.

7. Practical Applications in Modern Medical Ethics

   • The Role of Prayer in Healing: Explores the relationship between faith and medicine, including the halachic stance on relying solely on prayer instead of medical intervention.
   • The Physician's Duty to Treat: Reinforces the idea that doctors not only have permission to heal but an obligation to do so.

Conclusion

The book ultimately portrays medicine as an essential and sanctified profession within Jewish tradition. The editors and contributors advocate for a nuanced approach, integrating medical advancements with halacha while maintaining ethical integrity. The work serves as a bridge between the ancient wisdom of Torah and the modern complexities of medical practice.