As part of their training to be intellectual, religious, and civic leaders, Straus Scholars pursue internships and fellowships that expand on their Straus Center studies. In this interview with 色花堂News, Straus Scholar Shana Schwartz (SCW 鈥26) discusses her ongoing research at , under the direction of Executive Director Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody.
Could you share a bit about your background鈥攚here are you from, your field of study, and what drew you to Stern College and the Straus Center?
My name is Shana Schwartz, and I鈥檓 originally from Hillside, New Jersey. I鈥檓 currently pursuing a B.A. in Biology at Stern College for Women, which I chose for its combination of rigorous academics and strong Jewish learning environment. This blend is especially meaningful as I explore how Torah values intersect with contemporary issues, particularly in the field of medicine.
I applied to the Straus Center because I was inspired by their mission to foster intellectual curiosity and engage deeply with moral and ethical challenges through a Jewish framework. Given my passions for both science and Torah, I saw the Straus Center as the ideal place to deepen my understanding of how these disciplines intersect.
What are your career ambitions, and how does this internship help advance them?
I plan to pursue a career in medicine while integrating my passion for Jewish bioethics. My goal is to become a doctor who synthesizes scientific expertise with a solid understanding of moral and halakhic principles. I鈥檓 particularly interested in how halakha addresses complex medical dilemmas, such as reproductive health, end-of-life care, and emerging medical technologies.
Since Summer 2024, I鈥檝e been interning for Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody, the Executive Director of . Ematai is an organization that helps Jewish families navigate complicated medical dilemmas through the Torah鈥檚 wisdom, enabling them to make informed and educated decisions. Motivated by the increasing complexity of medical innovation and a desire to provide accessible guidance grounded in Jewish values, Rabbi Brody began writing a book on Jewish medical ethics.
My internship with Rabbi Brody directly furthers my ambitions by allowing me to explore the intersection of Jewish law and medical ethics. Working on his forthcoming book, I鈥檝e contributed to making Jewish bioethics accessible to a broader audience, equipping patients and doctors with the knowledge to navigate complex decisions in a values-driven way.
What did your work at Ematai involve, and what themes or questions did you explore?
My primary task was to read and discuss Rabbi Brody鈥檚 analyses, study the texts he cites, then refine and synthesize the most relevant and informative pieces into well-organized source sheets for readers to study in depth.
As part of this endeavor, I studied Talmudic texts, medieval rabbinic literature, and contemporary halakhic responsa surrounding various medical topics. Though medical ethics may seem to be a standalone genre within Jewish study, I found it to be all-encompassing. Medical halakha often builds upon broader areas in Jewish law, such as the laws of Shabbat, brachot (blessings), and shmirat halashon (guarding one鈥檚 speech).
Beyond its halakhic framework, Jewish medical ethics also has significant philosophical dimensions. Some of these include conflicts between Torah and modern scientific discovery and the challenge of preserving Torah observance as rooted in tradition across generations. A recurring theme in the book is the Torah鈥檚 deep reverence for every Jewish life, which imparts a sense of self-worth and inspires us to value and respect one another.
What new skills or perspectives have you gained through this experience?
As my research progressed, I deepened my understanding of halakhic logic and reasoning, which sharpened my ability to construct cogent arguments. My broader halakhic knowledge has also expanded, and its in-depth study aided my understanding of halakhic areas beyond medicine, like Shabbat and Kashrut. It also trained me to draw halakhic parallels to modern medical advancements, identify key ethical issues, and apply the principles I learned to frame and shape discussions.
Additionally, reading contemporary halakhic texts improved my Hebrew, particularly with medical terminology. This proved invaluable when communicating with Israeli doctoral candidates during a lab internship this past summer.
What were some of the most significant discoveries or challenges you encountered?
One fascinating discovery was how historical contexts influence medical halakha. I recall struggling to translate a particularly difficult phrase in the Tiferet Yisrael (Rabbi Yisrael Lifschitz, 1782-1860, Germany), which turned out to mean 鈥渟mallpox inoculation.鈥 Responsa like these highlight how prominent rabbis throughout the generations have grappled with ethical dilemmas proposed by medical breakthroughs that, for us, have become routine. These serve as a platform for current poskim to navigate contemporary challenges, shaping the future of Jewish practice.
I was also impressed by the depth of medical knowledge many rabbis display in their rulings. They meticulously reviewed every aspect of the case in order to arrive at the most appropriate and ethical conclusion. Some rabbis famously consulted doctors regarding their rulings, such as Rav Moshe Feinstein with Dr. Fred Rosner, while others, like Rabbi Dr. Abraham S. Abraham, were doctors themselves. These examples highlight the interplay between halakha and medicine and the importance of collaboration to ensure ethical and informed decisions.
How has the Straus Center shaped your experience?
This all began during a Straus Center trip to Israel where Rabbi Brody was a guest lecturer. He spoke about the ethics of war and Jewish values in halakha. His talk inspired me to explore these ideas further in a medical context, and when the Straus Center offered me a position as his research intern, I was thrilled to take up the opportunity.
Also, the Straus Center fosters thoughtful dialogue, close reading of Jewish and Western texts, and engagement with contemporary issues. These skills were invaluable during my internship, enabling me to approach complex medical topics with greater depth, clarity, and understanding.
Why is this work important, and why should other Straus Scholars consider similar opportunities?
Bioethics, though sometimes overshadowed by more immediately pressing issues, has remained in the foreground of political debate. In recent years, controversies surrounding reproductive rights, pandemic protocol, vaccine safety, and end-of-life care have divided communities, polarized political parties, and sparked intense ethical debates.
Based on what I have learned from my research, this is because bioethical decisions reflect the decisor鈥檚 overall perception of life and human dignity, which can influence how others understand and prioritize these values. The right decisions can foster a culture of appreciation for every individual, while misguided ones can undermine the worth of entire populations. Exploring bioethics within the context of Torah provides an objective moral standard to ensure that these decisions remain grounded in a framework that upholds human dignity, thereby shaping a compassionate and righteous society.
