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Thoughts to Nosh OnFebruary 2007From the Desk of Rabbi SharffWith a new Congress in session, there are likely to be many more debates about controversial topics like the war in Iraq, immigration, and embryonic stem cell research. Because these are topics on our minds as well, I am often asked, what does Judaism have to say about (insert topic)? With several thousand years worth of tradition close at hand, it is difficult to give a straightforward answer. The main reason for this is because rabbis tend to approach difficult questions from any number of angles. An example of this is with embryonic stem cell research, which has recently been revisited by Congress. The challenges of embryonic stem cell research lay with the fact that we are dealing with a set of genetic material that falls into a special category according to the Halacha. According to the Babylonian Talmud, the genetic material is considered to be "like the thigh of its mother" (Hullin 58a) -- meaning it is special but not a separate entity from its mother. Yet because we are all considered property of God, we are not permitted to damage any part of our bodies (which is part of the reason why tattoos are forbidden). But there is also the issue that in the Talmud the zygote is considered to be "simply water" for the first forty days after conception (Yevamot 69b), yet by in large destruction of a fertilized egg, is prohibited except in specific cases. But this ruling seems to run contrary to the notion that Judaism has always placed a higher value on those living over those who are merely life in potential (Mishnah Niddah 3:5). So what then does Judaism have to say about embryonic stem cell research given the fact that there are so many opinions that appear to run contrary to one another? The truth is, there is no clear-cut answer to this difficult question. Instead our tradition points out the complexity of the issue rather than rendering a simple "yes" or "no" answer. The process of examining what our tradition has to say encourages us to ask questions like: What are the aims of the research? Is the material used being treated as something special? Are the risks inherent in the research worth the potential rewards? Are the donors involved in the decision? It is only after examining the complexity of the issue that a ruling can ultimately be given. As maddening as it might seem, this actually is part of the beauty of our ever-evolving tradition. There rarely are simple answers to complex questions; instead we find text after text inviting us to engage in the conversation by uncovering the challenges, potential pitfalls, and complexities for ourselves. It is only then can we begin to form an answer which more often then not is either "yes...but" or "no...except". As a result, it is incumbent upon us to delve into the deeper questions and issues that we face on a daily basis. Fortunately our Jewish tradition has a lot to say about just about every topic the mind can come up with. It is just waiting for you to uncover it. Rabbi Ben Sharff |
