NYC Gazette

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman, a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, delivered a presentation on medical ethics titled "Are Pig Heart Transplants Kosher? Judaism and Modern Medicine in the 21st Century." This event was part of an interprofessional practice seminar organized by the Katz School's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.

Dr. Marissa Barrera, assistant dean of health sciences at the Katz School, commented on the lecture: “Dr. Reichman’s lecture not only educated healthcare professionals on the practical aspects of caring for Jewish patients but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the ethical dimensions of their work.” She emphasized that such events align with the Katz School’s mission to merge science and tradition for a safer world.

In his talk, Rabbi Reichman provided practical advice for healthcare providers treating Jewish patients, highlighting several key considerations:

- **Daily Prayers**: Orthodox Jewish patients may require time and space for prayers. Morning prayers involve tefillin, which may need adjustments for those with IVs or mobility issues.

- **Sabbath Observance**: On the Sabbath, observant Jews refrain from activities like driving or using electronics, impacting hospital visits and care. Providers should work with chaplains to accommodate these needs.

- **Dietary Laws**: Many Jewish patients follow kosher dietary laws that can extend to medications. Providers should be ready to discuss alternatives if requested.

- **Holidays and Rituals**: Observances during holidays like Yom Kippur or Passover may affect patient care due to fasting or dietary restrictions.

Reichman also discussed Bikur Cholim rooms in hospitals offering kosher food and prayer spaces as part of culturally sensitive care.

The presentation further explored contemporary medical ethics topics such as abortion, organ donation, and fertility treatments. Rabbi Reichman explained that Jewish medical ethics are rooted in religious texts like the Torah and Talmud. He stated: “One of the foundational principles of Jewish medical ethics is the sanctity of life...Sabbath laws can be set aside to save a life.”

He noted that rabbinic interpretations vary on complex issues like end-of-life care, reflecting dynamic Jewish law adaptability.

Concluding his talk with a historical case study on smallpox vaccination debates among Jewish scholars in past centuries, he remarked: “Despite the risks, many rabbis supported inoculation as a means of preserving life.”