On Sunday, May 4, the Kew Gardens Synagogue was filled with community members who gathered for an important and timely presentation by Chayim Aruchim, an organization dedicated to guiding Torah-observant families through the complex and often emotionally charged challenges of end-of-life medical care.
The evening was moderated by Rabbi Daniel Pollack, a devoted community askan, and drew a strong turnout from local residents seeking a deeper understanding of the halachic responsibilities involved in medical decision-making. Rabbi Ephraim Tanenbaum, mara d’asra of Kew Gardens Synagogue, opened the program by highlighting the vital role that Chayim Aruchim plays in supporting frum families during some of life’s most difficult and sensitive moments.
Rabbi Naftali Katz, a rav on the machon of Chayim Aruchim, delivered the first address. He described the organization’s wide-ranging work assisting families who are facing serious illness, critical care decisions, and end-of-life questions. Rabbi Katz noted that Chayim Aruchim handles over 10,000 calls annually and works closely with major hospital systems throughout New York, New Jersey, and beyond.
A central theme of Rabbi Katz’s remarks was the halachic importance of providing nutrition and hydration, even when dealing with elderly patients or those with cognitive impairment. He emphasized that while modern medicine often frames care decisions through the lens of “quality of life,” Torah values require that medical decisions be guided by the sanctity of life and the clear directives of Halacha.
Rabbi Katz also spoke movingly about the evolving relationship between doctors and frum patients. He noted that the medical field has increasingly shifted from a traditional emphasis on preserving life toward a broader focus on comfort-based or quality-of-life care. While pain control, dignity, and compassionate care are essential, he stressed that these goals must be pursued within a halachic framework. “At Chayim Aruchim, we strive to collaborate with the medical team,” Rabbi Katz said. “By respectfully and clearly sharing our faith-based perspectives, we often find that medical professionals are willing to support our values.”
Rabbi Asher Millman, a rav with Chayim Aruchim, then addressed the halachic and ethical concerns associated with premature or inappropriate Do Not Resuscitate orders. He warned that DNR orders, when misunderstood or applied too broadly, can sometimes lead to reduced care and may conflict with Halacha. Rabbi Millman also discussed the delicate balance between pain management and life preservation in palliative care, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, individualized, and halachically informed decision-making.
The presentations concluded with remarks from Rabbi Aryeh Rockove, co-rav at Khal Nachlas Avos. Rabbi Rockove urged community members to remain vigilant regarding the subtle influence of prevailing societal attitudes, even within observant communities. He stressed the importance of consulting qualified rabbinic authorities before making serious medical decisions, ensuring that each situation is approached with clarity, sensitivity, and fidelity to Halacha.
The evening concluded with a dynamic and practical Q&A session featuring Rabbi Katz, Rabbi Millman, and noted halachic medical expert Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, Director of the Chevrah Kadisha of the VHQ and Founder and President of NASCK. The discussion addressed real-life concerns and provided attendees with meaningful guidance for navigating difficult conversations with medical providers and family members. Participants also received New York State medical directives and informational pamphlets, offering practical tools for future planning.
Community members expressed deep appreciation for the program, describing it as both enlightening and essential. Many attendees noted the importance of raising awareness before a crisis arises and called for similar sessions to be held in other communities.
A larger program is, im yirtzeh Hashem, being planned for the greater Central Queens Jewish community this summer in Kew Gardens Hills, with the goal of reaching an even broader audience and continuing this vital conversation about medical decision-making, end-of-life care, and the guidance of Halacha.
