463 - Health and Medicine in the Jewish Tradition

Health and Medicine in the Jewish Tradition
David M. Feldman
New York, Crossroad, 1986. 114 pp. $14.95.

The book is subtitled "L'Hayyim-To Life," and clearly defines Judaism's broad medical concerns as life-and-health oriented. In exceedingly crisp, clear, and concise

464 - Health and Medicine in the Jewish Tradition

langauge, Rabbi Feldman surveys centuries of Jewish literature devoted to health matters and then turns his attention to specific areas of contemporary concern. His chapter on abortion is especially helpful as it contributes to our own society's on-going discussion.

According to Jewish law, abortion is not murder. The fetus is an appendage of its mother, and her physical health takes precedence over the health of her fetus. The traditional sources grapple with the question of whether or not her mental health is as important as her physical health, but "right to life is not the applicable concept; it is right to be born. The right to be born is not absolute, but relative to the welfare of the mother." Feldman urges that "political candidates or parties not be allowed to equate abortion with murder and prochoice people with murderers or outlaws."

This chapter is but one example of Rabbi Feldman's keen insights into medical matters. It belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in knowing what Jews believe about life, death, and health.

Melvin J. Glazer
The Jewish Center
Princeton, N.J.