First in a three-part series in preparation for the Days of Awe - Yamim Noraim

Recent events have highlighted medical issues relating to precedence of life. This presentation will examine Jewish ethical perspectives on a specific issue: Is it permissible to sacrifice a few innocent lives in order to save many? And if so, under what circumstances? By reviewing a famous case of lifeboat ethics – one that was adjudicated in an American court of law - we will examine some of the parallels and differences between American law and Jewish ethical teaching.

The coronavirus crisis has upended the delivery of education across the board. This discussion will address the implications of the current pandemic for the present and future of Jewish schools and Jewish special education. Academic and social impacts, as well as broader communal considerations, will be covered.

COVID-19 has presented numerous ethical challenges and questions. This discussion will address issues surrounding prioritizing and allocating scarce healthcare resources, engaging in biomedical research, and social consequences for today’s public policy decisions. The presentation will consider these issues from both secular ethical and Jewish law and values standpoints.

In conjunction with The Jewish Law Institute of the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.