by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

February 3, 2009

Gaining an understanding of the Torah and Talmud’s perspective on some of life’s difficult choices — including abortion and euthanasia — will be the focus of a community discussion on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Manalapan.

“The goal is to present a whole new perspective that you might never have thought about,” said Rabbi Levi Wolosow, educational director at the Chabad of Western Monmouth County, the program’s sponsor. “And what’s amazing about this discussion is that it is based on the tremendous insight of the greatest rabbis in Jewish history. Rather than make a blind choice, we will learn about the options.”

The discussion will take place at 7 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library in Manalapan and will be conducted by Rabbi Boruch Chazanow, director of the Chabad of Western Monmouth County.

“The differences between civil law and talmudic law will be explained,” Wolosow told NJ Jewish News. “We hope to bring out tremendous insight and educate with the wisdom only found in the Torah and the Jewish law of the Talmud.”

Despite the sensitive nature of the subject matter, the discussion will not encourage any judgment regarding a right-or-wrong approach to the abortion question, Wolosow said.

“The purpose of this discussion is not to dwell on an extreme pro-choice or pro-life point of view,” he said. “This class won’t be hurtful, it won’t single out one position over another, and there won’t be any arguments or attempts at persuasion.

“We hope to help people make an educated and informed decision on their own by reviewing medical, religious, and ethical considerations.”

Discussion and perspective

The Talmud is “very understanding” of the abortion issue, Wolosow said.

“The Talmud recognizes the choices a mother must face when it pertains to the life of an unborn child,” he said. “For instance, the Talmud says that the soul comes into the body. But when and how does this influence a decision about abortion? What are the needs of the mother and child?”

Wolosow offered as an example a case in which a pregnant woman, in order to provide a marrow transplant for her dying sister, must terminate her pregnancy.

“How can we balance the interests of the unborn fetus with the interests of those who have already entered this life? There are no easy answers, but the issue requires us to make informed choices.”

The issue of euthanasia is no less intense, Wolosow said.

“Families facing the imminent death of a loved one grapple to make end-of-life decisions that impart the final moments with dignity and respect,” he said. “They wonder when medical intervention is morally required, when it is excessively intrusive, and whether life must be preserved at all costs or be permitted to gracefully ebb away.”

The Talmud and those who interpret it know that complicated questions cannot be answered with simple responses, Wolosow said.

“The Talmud offers discussion and perspective to help you make sense of life’s most wrenching dilemmas,” he said. “It happens to almost everyone — sooner or later, you will face a tough ethical decision. Jews have always looked to the Talmud to help them unravel tangled instincts.”

Chazanow’s talk at the library will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5. To register or obtain additional information, call 732-972-3687 or visit www.chabadwmc.org.

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