Virtual Event: Honoring Parents as They Age
THE MITZVAH & THE CHALLENGE: NAVIGATING KIBUD AV V’EM & CARE AS OUR PARENTS AGE Balancing kibud av v'em with the challenges of aging, cognitive decline, and shifting parent-child dynamics.…
Ematai Selects Sixteen Orthodox Women for Advanced Torah Study in End-of-Life Care
Sixteen exceptional Orthodox Jewish women were selected to join the inaugural cohort of Ematai's Advanced Torah Study Program in End-of-Life Care. The cohort includes physicians, nurses, psychologists, bioethicists, yoatzot halacha,…
Ematai’s Yom Kippur Reader
Standing Before God Ematai has prepared a new Yom Kippur Reader, featuring articles by our staff, halachic guidelines for those who are ill, and thought-provoking conversation starters. Our hope is…
Sephardic Halacha Training Program in Deal
Rabbi Brody led a week-long learning program on end-of-life care and halacha as part of the Sephardic Rabbinical College in Deal, NJ. A group of rabbis explored major sources regarding…
Halachic Living Wills During the 9 Days
Rabbi Brody recently published an article on halachic living wills in The Jewish Press about patient preference, personal autonomy, and halachic living wills. The PDF of the article can be…
The Many Voices of Prayer
Reflections on How We Each Approach and Connect to Tefilah ~Bassie Taubes, Ematai's Director of Community Outreach The Human Impulse to Pray The instinct to call out to the divine…
Halachic Organ Donation Remains Safe
Clarifying the recent controversy about organ donation after cardiac death The US House started an investigative hearing this week following two recent New York Times articles alleging cases in which…
Responding to Physician-Assisted Suicide in NY
"Judaism cannot simply be a voice of protest. It must be a voice of healing, offering a compelling alternative vision of end-of-life care grounded in both compassion and sanctity." Rabbi…
Parshat Beha’alotcha Initiative
A special Shabbat to gather as a community and learn about Tefilah during times of illness as part of Ematai's Tefilah Project "א-ל נא רפא נא לה” “Please God, heal…
Letter to NY State Senators on Physician Assisted Suicide
The New York State Assembly passed a bill on May 2, 2025 that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. While it still requires approval from the State Senate, this development raises serious…
Alisa Flatow z”l
The tenth of Nissan, which this year fell out on April 8th, marked the thirtieth yahrzeit of Alisa Flatow z”l, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Israel. Alisa…
Halachic Views on Artificial Nutrition & Hydration
Rabbi Brody's recent article "Artificial Feeding Towards the End of Life" was recently published in The Jerusalem Post on March 21, 2025. The article discusses how Jewish law approaches artificial…
Pastoral Training for Women in End-of-Life Care
Ematai is pleased to launch the application process for a first-of-its-kind intensive, text-based fellowship for women. The fellowship will equip participants with the Torah knowledge and skills to provide individual…
Navigating Kibud Av V’Em and Care as Our Parents Age
Ematai recently held a virtual panel discussion on March 30th on "The Mitzvah & the Challenge, Navigating Kibud Av V'Em as Our Parents Age. Dr. Naalla Schreiber, Director of Psychiatry…
2nd Annual LA Community Health Fair
After last year's successful health fair, we are back in LA for a second year! Join us on March 9th from 9am-12:15pm at Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills. There…
DNR: Medical and Halachic Perspectives
In partnership with the Jewish Physicians Network (JPN), Rabbi Brody and Ematai medical advisory board member, Dr. Jonah (Yonah) Rubin, led a discussion on DNR and halacha on January 26th,…
Two Projects in Memory of Robert M. Beren, z”l
Newly Named Helpline and New Book Series Ematai is thrilled to announce the dedication of two important projects: Robert M. Beren Medical Halacha Helpline & Robert M. Beren Book Series…
Israeli Medical Power of Attorney Documents
Ematai's Netivot Advance Directive Initiative is now available in Israel! Ematai has adapted two of the Israeli medical power of attorney forms in Hebrew and in English. The documents have…
The Jerusalem Post Features Ematai
An Interview with Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody in The Jerusalem Post Rabbi Brody was recently interviewed by The Jerusalem Post for a feature article about Ematai. The article can be…
Parshat Vayechi Events
In Parshat Vayechi, which we read this coming Shabbat, January 11th, we reflect on Yaakov Avinu's foresight and caring in guiding his family’s future during his final days. The story…
We Need to Talk About This
A Panel Discussion on Halacha, Aging, and End-of-Life Care On January 12, Ematai led a special event in partnership with Congregation Bnai Yeshurun and the RCBC. Rabbi Elliot Schrier moderated…
Jewish Organ Donation FAQ
How to Register as a Halachic Organ Donor Register online with a local registry Specify that you only authorize your organs to be used for transplantation and not for research…
Fighting Against Assisted Dying
Jewish law prohibits assisted dying (also known as assisted euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, or medical assistance in dying). Ematai has been working with Jewish and non-Jewish allies to push back…
Psalms & Healing
Learn more about what Jewish scholars throughout history have said about whether reciting Psalms brings healing to the sick in Rabbi Brody's article "Can Reciting Psalms Provide Healing" featured in…
Understanding Yizkor
Many Ashkenazi synagogues recite Yizkor on Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Pesach, and Shavuot. Yizkor is often associated with the recitation of memorial prayers only by those who have lost immediate…
Inspiration and Resources for the High Holidays 5785
A collection of lectures and articles from Rabbi Brody related to observance of the High Holidays and inspiration for this time of year. Wishing you and your loved ones a…
Prayer During Illness
What should we pray for during different stages of illness? Rabbi Brody spoke about prayer during illness for the OU Spirit program on July 30, 2024. The discussion included: What…
End-of-Life Care Dilemmas
Halachic Information Every Jew Should Know In collaboration with OU Spirit, Rabbi Brody discussed end-of-life care and halacha in this virtual shiur on August 6, 2024. The discussion included: Is…
Yizkor Poster & Name Cards
We Remember Poster We have prepared a special 36x48 size memorial poster with the names of those who have been killed on and after October 7th in Israel alongside the special memorial prayer for…
Memorial Poster for Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av is a fast and day of communal mourning that commemorates the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem. Communities commonly recite Kinot, or elegies, about the destruction of…
Tisha B’Av Observance When Ill
Tisha B'Av is a fast and day of communal mourning that commemorates the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem. As an educational resource, Ematai is pleased to share…
Baruch Brody Memorial Lectures
Dedicated to the Memory and Teachings of Baruch Brody z"l July 2025 - The Seventh Annual Baruch Brody Memorial Lecture When Do We Coerce Patients to Receive Medical Treatment? https://youtu.be/G3xci71KGfQ July 2024…
Continued Medical Halacha Education
A series about medical and halachic perspectives on common medical topics and scenarios that Jewish community leaders, rabbis, and chaplains encounter regularly. Learn the foundational medical knowledge you should have…
Passover Prayer for the Hostages
Pesach, the holiday that celebrates our freedom from slavery in Egypt, begins Saturday night, April 12th. During this joyful celebration, we cannot forget the 59 hostages who are not yet…
Guide to Passover Observance in Hospitals
Pesach can be a complicated holiday to prepare for, especially when someone is in a hospital. Ematai is pleased to offer guidance from the book, Guide to Traditional Jewish Observance…
Posthumous Sperm Donation
In 2022, the short-lived 24th Knesset passed early-stage legislation to authorize the IDF to ask enlisting male soldiers if they would want their sperm posthumously extracted should they die in…
Halakhic Dilemmas of Treating Wounded Terrorists
Since the horrific 10/7 attacks and war with Hamas, Israeli medics and hospitals have dealt with terrorists taken to them for medical treatment. Rabbi Brody recently published an extensive article…
Video Library
Find all of our most popular videos on topics including Jewish medical ethics, advance planning, and mortality. These videos are all located on our YouTube page. You can find our…
Guidelines for the Ill on Purim
As an educational resource, we are pleased to share Guidelines for the Ill on Purim, taken with permission from Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner’s book, “Guide to Traditional Jewish Observance in a Hospital.” Please…
Leading With Your Values Series
A Series on Advance Planning in Partnership with Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington The first lecture in the Leading With Your Values series took place on January 28, 2024. Dr.…
Applied Medical Ethics Grand Rounds
A Partnership with the Jewish Physicians Network Ematai, together with the Jewish Physicians Network, presents a new series "Applied Medical Ethics Grand Rounds" which features incredible speakers on important and…
Guidelines for the Ill on Chanukah
We are pleased to share Guidelines for the Ill on Chanukah, taken with permission from Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner’s book, “Guide to Traditional Jewish Observance in a Hospital.” Please consult with your…
Saving Lives Even After Their Deaths
The family of these thirteen soldiers have donated their organs saving 58 lives. Below you can learn more about each soldier and the lives they saved. We hope and pray…
Jewish Mourning Rituals in a Time of War
Reflections from Israel on Three Important Areas to Focus On In this brief video, Rabbi Brody reflects on three areas of focus in Israel and the Diaspora at this time.…
Ethics of War
Jewish Military Ethics In light of the situation in Israel, we have broadened some of Ematai's work to include the ethical and emotional issues rising for Jews in Israel and…
Ten More Lives Were Saved
Organ Donation in Israel Two IDF soldiers saved many Israelis in both their short lifetimes and their deaths. Roi Nahari z”l and Amichai Rubin z”l were killed while fighting in…
Trauma & Tragedy From Afar
On Sunday, October 15, Rabbi Brody partnered with Dvora Corn OTR, MS and co-founder of Life's Door to discuss managing anxiety, maintaining hope, and supporting loved ones from afar. The…
Guidelines for the Ill on Sukkot
As an educational resource, Ematai is pleased to share Guidelines for the Ill on Sukkot taken with permission from Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner’s book, “Guide to Traditional Jewish Observance in a Hospital.” Please…
Advance Healthcare & Financial Planning: A Community Fair
First Annual Community Fair Ematai and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center organized the first annual Advance Healthcare & Financial Planning Community Fair on January 7, 2024 in Los Angeles. The fair was…
Halacha in Healthcare Settings
Back for the second year! Starting on November 4th, 2024, join Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner weekly on Monday's at 7:30PM ET for a chabura (advanced class) based on the Nishmat Avraham…
Guidelines for the Ill on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
As an educational resource, Ematai is pleased to share Guidelines for the Ill on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur taken with permission from Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner's book, "Guide to Traditional…
Ematai’s Elul Initiative – Teshuva Drashot
Shiur series dedicated in memory of Norman Bulow z"l Recordings below 'Who Will Live and Who Will Die?' Mortality and Teshuva https://youtu.be/hBPPIYbn9HQ Mortality and Teshuva https://youtu.be/hBPPIYbn9HQ Is Our Fate Really…
Netivot Virtual Signing Event
Have you not completed a Netivot advance healthcare directive and conversation guide because you are uncertain of how and when to begin? Watch this video of Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody…
Upcoming Events
Scholar in Residence - White Plains, NY Rabbi Brody will be the scholar-in-residence at the Hebrew Institute of White Plains on August 3-4 where he will be speaking about end-of-life…
Confronting Mortality with Faith & Meaning: The Legacy of Dodi Tobin z’l
We are honored and privileged to have created a moving and inspiring video series about the incredible Dr. Dodi Fishman Tobin z”l who passed away in September 2022. Dr. Dodi…
Tisha B’Av Shiurim
We are pleased to share the recording of two interesting and meaningful shiurim that Ematai livestreamed on Tisha B'Av this year. Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, the executive director of Ematai,…
Rabbi Mordechai Willig on The Importance of Ematai, Healthcare Proxies, and Rabbinic Consultants
Ematai is grateful to Rabbi Mordechai Willig for reviewing the Netivot advance healthcare directive and conversation guide. This video contains clips taken from a webinar (with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt)…
Ematai In The News
The Jewish Link Bassie Taubes article "Holding Both Gratitude & Grief" was published in The Jewish Link on August 1, 2025. JewishLinkGratitudeGriefDownload Jewish Insights with Justin Pines Rabbi Brody was…
Upcoming Scholar in Residence – YI Hillcrest
On June 9th and 10th, Rabbi Brody will be speaking several times throughout a special Ematai Shabbat at the Young Israel of Hillcrest in Queens. Topics include quality of life…
Netivot Healthcare Directive Launch
We are excited to soon be launching Netivot, Ematai's advance healthcare directive and conversation guide. Rabbi Brody will be conducting two in-person events where you can learn more about the…
Hanno Mott Lecture on Jewish Ethics
If you are in the New York City area, please join us on Sunday morning, June 11th for this important discussion about how to live meaningfully until our very last…
Halakhic Organ Donation Shiur
Have you been wondering about the Jewish perspectives on brain-stem death and posthumous organ donation? Curious why some Jewish communities support organ donation and others do not? Now’s your chance…
Dee Family Meets Organ Recipients (English Video)
In an incredibly moving event, the family of Lucy Dee ob"m met three of her organ donation recipients. Ematai is pleased to share this video - in English - of…
Introducing Ematai
Ematai’s goal is to empower and support Jews navigating their healthcare journeys with Jewish wisdom. Our mission is to address the full range of opportunities and choices presented by aging, end-of-life…
Introducing Option 18
Introducing Option 18, the organ donor education initiative of Ematai. In Jewish culture, the number 18 symbolizes life (in Hebrew, חי, chai). In medical culture, the numbers 1 and 8 signify the opportunity of posthumous organ donation. 1…
Recent Events
Public lectures at shuls, schools, and community centers. Rabbi Brody led an advance directive workshop for JCFS in Chicago on January 28th, 2025 and Uri L'Tzedek on January 30th, 2025.…
Medical Ethics Conference
We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Torah-in-Motion in their 14th annual medical ethics conference taking place in Toronto, May 18 - 21, 2023. Featured speakers include: Rabbi Prof. Avraham Steinberg…
