This book was written for those struggling with the care of a sick or elderly loved one, or even the ill person himself. Inspiring readers from the vast Jewish tradition, Rabbi David M. Feldman gives not only hope but meaning to those placed in such difficult circumstances. Every life is precious and every moment of that life is worthwhile. But while such a positive attitude can guide us in general, we need the Jewish tradition to evaluate different circumstances in varying ways, sometimes at odds with secular and Christian approaches.

The Jewish perspective considers all human life inviolate. In this book, Feldman illustrates the beauty of the Jewish perspective by means of scholarly explorations into abortion, euthanasia, organ transplantation and other topics. Drawing from Talmudic teachings, as well as contemporary news items, and including his personal accounts from more than forty years of experience as a congregational rabbi and medical ethicist, Rabbi Feldman relates the primacy of life in Judaism with passion and expertise.

The author makes the case for life’s intrinsic preciousness and does so, first, by guiding us through the details of pikkuach nefesh &mdash the principle in Jewish religious law that sets saving of life and health above all else. He then illustrates this life-affirming perspective by means of a comprehensive exploration of many topics including the right to die, martyrdom, the mandate to heal, the mind-body connection, embryonic stem cell research, organ transplants — including the controversial questions of heart transplantation. He leads us with edifying expertise, but in eminently readable style, through an analysis of pro-natalism, new reproductive technology, even the death penalty and the writing of Living Wills.

By David M. Feldman

ISBN 1-933143-11-8
Softcover, 156 pages