Bioethics for clinicians: 22. Jewish bioethics

JEWISH BIOETHICS IN THE CONTEMPORARY ERA EMERGE from the traditional practi ce of plying principles of Jewish law (Halacha) to ethical dilemmas. The Bi ble (written law) and the Talmud (oral law) are the foundational texts on w hich such deliberations are based. Interpretation of passages in these text s attempts to identify the duties of physicians, patients and families face d with difficult health care decisions. Although Jewish law is an integral consideration of religiously observant Jews, secularized Jewish patients of ten welcome the wisdom of their tradition when considering treatment option s. Jewish bioethics exemplifies how an ethical system based on duties may d iffer from the secular rights-based model prevalent in North American socie ty.