Introduction to Jewish Ethics Jewish bioethics in the contemporary era emerges from the traditional practice of applying principles of Jewish law (Halacha) to ethical dilemmas

Introduction to Jewish Ethics The Bible (written law) and the Talmud (oral law) are the foundational texts on which such deliberations are based

Introduction to Jewish Ethics Interpretation of passages in these texts attempts to identify the duties of physicians, patients and families faced with difficult health care decisions

Introduction to Jewish Ethics Although Jewish law is an integral consideration of religiously observant Jews, secularized Jewish patients often welcome the wisdom of their tradition when considering treatment options

Introduction to Jewish Ethics Jewish bioethics exemplifies how an ethical system based on duties may differ from the secular rights-based model prevalent in Australia, North America

Introduction to Jewish Ethics What is Jewish bioethics? There is no simple answer to this question.

Introduction to Jewish Ethics The relationship between Jewish law (halakha), Jewish ethics, and the ethical principles of general society are navigated differently by different Jewish authorities.

Introduction to Jewish Ethics However, there is one principle that can be singled out for its prominence in Jewish bioethical discourse: the sanctity of human life and the duty to save and preserve it wherever possible

KEY TERMINOLOGY halakha (Hebrew, 'way of going') Jewish LAW. ORTHODOX JUDAISM teaches that the entire legal system goes back to MOSES, who received the TORAH from God on MOUNT SINAI

KEY TERMINOLOGY The halakhah is made up of the WRITTEN LAW, as recorded in the PENTATEUCH, and the ORAL LAW, which includes later RESPONSA as well as established customs

KEY TERMINOLOGY During the period of the TEMPLE the SADDUCEES denied the authority of the oral law; this view was also adopted later by the KARAITES

KEY TERMINOLOGY However, the oral law was collected by JUDAH HA-NASI in the MISHNAH, and the discussions of the AMORAIM are recorded in the TALMUD

KEY TERMINOLOGY Subsequently Jewish law was codified in such works as the MISHNEH TORAH by MAIMONIDES

KEY TERMINOLOGY ORTHODOXY accepts the halakhah as binding, PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM has adapted it to contemporary life. This process has been condemned by Orthodox Jews

KEY TERMINOLOGY Talmud Name of the two collections of records of the discussion and administration of Jewish law by scholars in various ACADEMIES from c.200 to c.500 

KEY TERMINOLOGY Talmud  Both contain the MISHNAH together with GEMARA (commentary and supplement to the Mishnah text). In addition, both contain AGGADIC digressions

KEY TERMINOLOGY tzelem elohim The notion that all human beings were created in God's image is based on Genesis 1:25 ('So God created man in his own image; in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them').

KEY TERMINOLOGY tzelem elohim Jewish commentators differ as to the meaning of this verse; some, including the 12th-century Jewish philosopher Moses MAIMONIDES, argue that since God has no body, this text should not be understood literally.