Episode 5: What's the Difference Between Withholding & Withdrawing Treatment?

01/12/2025 48 min

Listen "Episode 5: What's the Difference Between Withholding & Withdrawing Treatment?"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Refuah & Psak, Rabbi Brody speaks with Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner, senior consultant at Ematai as well as the executive director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars – Sinai in Los Angeles, about the halachic and ethical distinction between withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatments. They explore how Jewish law, secular bioethics, and Israeli law approach these decisions; practical examples like stopping chemotherapy or ventilator withdrawal; and touch upon how this impacts nutrition, hydration, and other interventions. The conversation highlights moral, emotional, and pastoral considerations, and includes a moving real-life story that illustrates both halachic nuance and compassionate care.