End-of-Life Care & Halacha: Two Learning Programs for Women
Ematai’s advanced learning programs offer committed Orthodox Jewish women text-based study on end-of-life care through a halachic lens. We explore the questions that arise when Jewish law meets the realities of illness, death and dying.
Topics include risky treatments, prayers for the terminally ill, life-saving interventions, and code status. The programs are led by Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody and Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner alongside distinguished guest speakers.
Click to Learn More about our Advanced Fellowship
Click to Learn More about the Executive Track
Advanced Study Fellowship in End-of-Life Care and Halacha
September 2026 – July 2027 | $10,000 stipend
Designed for women with an advanced Torah study background who are deeply passionate about Jewish communal service. Ideal candidates are already active in their communities in some capacity and are looking to deepen their knowledge through a rigorous program.
Program Structure
- Year-long program covering the major sugyot in end-of-life halacha, with 6–8 hours per week studying Gemara, Rishonim, Achronim, responsa literature, and contemporary psak
- The program runs on a two-week rhythm. One week is a live Zoom session led by Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody or Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner, the alternate week is an asynchronous pre-recorded class with guided text study and assignments. Synchronous sessions alternate between Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings ET
- All materials are hosted on our learning platform, giving fellows flexibility to engage in the learning while balancing their busy schedules
- Regular assessments throughout the year
- Two in-person gatherings that strengthen the learning community
Two-Week Snapshot
Week A — Sync Week: Fellows attend a live Zoom session with Rabbi Brody or Rabbi Weiner (typically Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings). Fellows prepare for that week’s session by learning the relevant gemaras, rishonim and achronim in advance of the shiur.
Week B — Async Week: Fellows work independently through a pre-recorded lecture and guided source packet at their own pace, completing assignments and preparing for the next live session.
Sample Topics to be covered during the year: Sanctity of life and quality of life · Pikuach nefesh · Risk-taking in halacha · Withholding and withdrawing care · Pain relief and palliative care · Time of death and organ donation · Advance healthcare directives · Fetal demise and pediatric decision-making · Moral distress · Prayer and ritual at end of life · Public policy and euthanasia · AI and medical decision-making
$10,000 stipend for participation.
Executive Track in End-of-Life Care and Halacha
October 2026 – April 2027 | $500 stipend | Eligible for 10 CME Credits
Designed for women who are already encountering end-of-life dilemmas in their work. These include doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, rebbetzins, Bikur Cholim volunteers, hospice and palliative care professionals, and others who regularly accompany patients and families through illness and dying. Ideal candidates are already serving as informal resources in their communities and are looking to ground their sacred work with deeper halachic knowledge.
How the Program Works
The program meets every other week for 11 sessions of 90 minutes via Zoom, led by Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody and Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner. Each session introduces the major halachic positions on a core end-of-life topic, utilizing model case examples.
No prior background in systematic halachic study is required. Many participants will be engaging with these texts for the first time. The program is designed specifically for experienced practitioners who seek a halachic framework to supplement their expertise.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will develop the literacy to recognize when situations require halachic guidance and to navigate the fundamental debates at stake:
- The major halachic positions on end-of-life questions encountered in clinical and communal settings
- Which variables matter halachically and why different poskim reach different conclusions
- How to communicate intelligently with rabbis and families about the halachic dimensions of a situation
- How to distinguish genuine halachic complexity from misunderstanding
Sample Topics Pikuach nefesh · Withholding and withdrawing care · Palliative care and pain relief · Advance healthcare directives · Hospice Care· Prayer for the terminally ill · Organ Donation
Application Instructions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early as cohort sizes are limited.
Applications are due by May 26th, 2026. Applicants will be notified by July 1st 2026.
- Click here to apply for the advanced track
- Click here to apply for the executive track
Please do not apply to both programs simultaneously. Please email fellowship@ematai.org to decide which program is right for you.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, Executive Director, and Adina Blaustein, Education Program Coordinator.
Please note: We do not accept applicants from outside North America.
With gratitude to Walder Foundation and Micah Philanthropies: Jeremy & Ann Pava for their generous support of this program.
