Conference to Address Difficult Medical and Halachic Decisions for Families
The annual "Kedushat HaChaim" (Sanctity of Life) conference, organized by the Poaleh Institute, will focus on the complex challenges faced by families dealing with severe illnesses, cognitive decline, and critical medical and halachic (Jewish law) decisions. The conference, scheduled for Monday, September 7, will be held online and is free to the public.
The event aims to equip families with tools to navigate the difficult moments when a loved one's personality and abilities are gradually altered by illness. It will explore how to make life-altering medical and halachic choices in extreme situations, where each decision carries significant emotional weight and responsibility. The conference draws on the experience of thousands of inquiries received by the department over the past eight years, centering on the concept of "loss that is not death", a state where a family member is alive but their personality and function are progressively changed by illness or cognitive decline.
Rabbi Ariel Vider, head of the "Kedushat HaChaim" department, emphasizes that early familiarity with these medical and halachic dilemmas enables families to cope better when faced with tough decisions. He explains that understanding the implications of functional decline, available medical options, and the halachic perspective on preventing suffering allows for more sound judgment. Many families find themselves in a distressing reality where a cherished individual is physically present but losing their capabilities, requiring family members to make crucial medical, moral, and halachic decisions concerning the patient's quality of life and suffering.
The Poaleh Institute highlights that the "Kedushat HaChaim" department's 24/7 hotline provides guidance and support through rabbis working in conjunction with medical experts and professionals. Rabbi Vider notes that the team assists families in their most vulnerable moments, offering not only halachic rulings but also a deep understanding of the medical situation, explained clearly, along with emotional support and human connection.
A key topic will be the role of family members in the care of elderly patients or those with dementia and cognitive decline. The institute stresses that beyond emotional support, family presence is vital for treatment success. Family members often act as the patient's voice to the medical team, helping to tailor care to their needs and preserve their dignity during this sensitive period. The conference will feature leading experts in medicine, geriatrics, medical ethics, psychotherapy, and halacha, including Dr. Bat Sheva Verman, Dr. Haim Moshe Adhan, Rabbi Prof. Yigal Shafran, Dr. Ayala Eliyahu, Mr. Beni Wurtzman, Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, and Dr. Nadav Shaham. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time.
