To Life? How Medical Technology Disrupted the Jewish Legal Concept of Dying

What does it mean to be a “dying person” or goses in the intensive care unit of 2025? Could our rabbis have conceived of states of life supported by ventilators, kidney hemodialysis, or experimental therapies? In this session, we will explore the intersection of Jewish law (Halakha), ethics, and modern medical practice in end-of-life care. Using anonymized case examples from the facilitator’s clinical practice, we will examine how traditional Jewish concepts, such as the status of a goses (a person in the final stages of dying), are challenged by technologies that are designed to prolong life. Through case studies and a variety of texts including rabbinic perspectives, we will discuss how Jewish law balances the duty to preserve life with the imperative not to hinder death’s natural progression. All texts will be accompanied by English translation and no previous experience is needed.

Leah Rosenberg, MD is a general internist who received her medical degree with Distinction in Research from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She completed residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center and completed fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Harvard Palliative Medicine Fellowship. She joined both the Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine as well as the Hospital Medicine Group in September 2014. Her interests include the integration of palliative care into general internal medicine practice, medical education, and psychological issues in seriously ill patients.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.