The evening is being co-sponsored by the CT Chapter of the Israel Cancer Research Fund, the largest nationwide charitable organization in North America solely devoted to supporting cancer research in Israel. 

 

Jewish law requires us to pursue all ethical means by which to "Preserve Life"; the mitzvah principle is called Pikuach Nefesh.

 

The Chazal (Sages of Blessed Memory) observed that in the Book of Leviticus, God commands us to "live by the Commandments" and the Rabbis then note in commentary: "and not die by the Commandments".

 

Rabbinic law is that almost all Commandments can be set aside if observance might result in endangering life.

 

The only primary restraints against the practice of Pekuach Nefesh is that one may not commit an act of murder, act of idolatry, and/or an act of sexually licentious behavior.

 

The Jewish notion is that the preservation of life is the highest goal and we are to take every ethical action possible by which to protect lives.

 

This is why the Talmud notes that if a new generation should discover medical responses different and more effective than previously known, we are obligated to pursue this course of new medical knowledge.

 

The Commandment as quoted in the Book of Leviticus says: "Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor".

 

Working within the field of medicine is considered an extraordinarily sacred pursuit and throughout Jewish history there have been medical breakthroughs discovered and implement by Jewish doctors and researchers.

 

That Israel has become a leader in global medical research is consistent with our prioritization of the mitzvah of Pekuach Nefesh.

 

On a personal note, cancer has been a particular challenge to my own family.

 

My mother, Joyce z'l, and her mother, Naomi z'l, both died from cancer.

 

Roseanne's mother, Genevieve Z'L, died from cancer at the age of 46.

 

Both Roseanne and her twin sister are cancer survivors, each having very challenging experiences.

 

When Roseanne was being wheeled to surgery for her bilateral mastectomy, she handed me four envelopes, one for each of our children.

 

These were letters of her wishes, hopes, blessings, etc.

 

She said to me: "Just in case the surgery doesn't ultimately have the results we hope, keep these notes and give them to the children afterwards...."

 

During her 10+ hours of surgery, and several very challenging months afterwards, those notes felt like the heaviest burden I had ever carried.

 

We were blessed that ultimately Roseanne recovered, her life spared.

 

But, the living nightmare of your loved one's mortality being seriously threatened is something that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

 

And, for those who have lost loved ones' to disease, we know how our hearts remain forever scarred.

 

Perhaps it is at synagogue that we should most host forums on medicine; the sacred space by which our prayers can be integrated with our holy actions to fulfill the mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh .

 

I hope you will be able to join us on the evening of the 24th , and learn more about both cancer solutions and the Israel Cancer Research Fund.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Rabbi Mitch