THE FREEHOF INSTITUTE OF PROGRESSIVE HALAKHAH The Freehof Institute of Progressive Halakhah is a creative research center devoted to studying and defining the progressive character of the halakhah in accordance with the principles and theology of Reform Judaism. It seeks to establish the ideological basis of Progressive halakhah, and its application to daily life. The Institute fosters serious studies, and helps scholars in various portions of the world to work together for a common cause. It provides an ongoing forum through symposia, and publications including the quarterly newsletter, HalakhaH, published under the editorship of Walter Jacob, in the United States. The foremost halakhic scholars in the Reform, Liberal, and Progressive rabbinate along with some Conservative and Orthodox colleagues as well as university professors serve on our Academic Council. This collection on Essays is the product of the fourth symposium held in Montreal during June 1993.

"In addition, a number of the earlier chapters have been thoroughly revised in light of current developments. The book is an addition to the library of anyone who is concerned about the interaction between modern medicine and Jewish law in the twenty-first century."--BOOK JACKET.

This book discusses modern medical ethical dilemas from a specifically conservative Jewish point of view. The author includes issues such as artifical insemination, genetic engineering, cloning, surrogate motherhood, and birth control, as well as living wills, hospice care, euthanasia, organ donation, and autopsy.

Judaism and Healing is a concise, incisive, but nontechnical study of major issues in medical bioethics. Rabbi Bleich examines each topic from the perspective of Jewish tradition. Truth-telling, professional secrecy, population policy, abortion, sex-change surgery, test tube babies, animal experimentation, euthanasia, autopsy, and sex preselection are among the more than thirty topics discussed as a guide to understanding the teachings of normative Judaism. This new and expanded edition adds chapters on AIDS, surrogate motherhood, pregnancy reduction, cloning, and palliation of pain. Rabbi Bleich presents in a clear and lucid manner principles and concerns which enter into the formulation of a Jewish response to each of these issues. Judaism and Healing is a treasure-trover of information with regard to the concerns of both bioethics and Jewish law.

Papers on biomedical ethics that integrate the resources of millenia with the most recent developments in medicine and ethical thought.

A dialogue between contemporary, Western moral philosophy and the tradition of Legal/Moral Descourse (Halakha).

Determined by laws, still allows for many different--and sometimes mutually contradictory--viewpoints. For professionals, religious leaders, and the general public. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).