On Tuesday evening, July 29, 2025, Torah Ohr Hebrew Academy in Great Neck hosted an important community presentation on end-of-life medical halacha, presented by Chayim Aruchim, the Center for Culturally Sensitive Health Advocacy and Counseling.
The event, held at Torah Ohr Simcha Hall, drew a full crowd that included many physicians, medical professionals, rabbanim, and community members who came to gain clarity on some of the most sensitive and complex questions families face in medical decision-making.
The evening was introduced by Rabbi Kohan of Torah Ohr Hebrew Academy, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of approaching these issues with both Torah guidance and medical understanding.
The featured speakers were Rabbi Benzion Leser, menahel of the Chayim Aruchim Machon of Medical Halacha and Rav and Director of Chaplaincy at Maimonides Medical Center, together with Rabbi Asher Millman, Rav of Khal Shaarei Avrohom in Passaic, New Jersey, and a rabbinic advisor for Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton who serves on the Machon of Chayim Aruchim.
The discussion focused on essential end-of-life issues, including the halachic approach to pain control, morphine use, “quality of life” considerations, medical directives, DNR orders, and the distinction between extending life and hastening death. The speakers addressed the need for families to seek proper rabbinic and medical guidance before making critical decisions, especially when emotions, pressure, and uncertainty are high.
Throughout the presentation, Rabbi Leser and Rabbi Millman stressed that these situations require careful case-by-case evaluation, with close collaboration between physicians, families, and competent halachic authorities. They highlighted Chayim Aruchim’s mission of helping Torah-observant families navigate hospital systems and advocate for care that is consistent with halacha.
The strong turnout reflected the community’s deep concern for these matters and its appreciation for clear Torah guidance in moments of medical crisis. Attendees left with a greater understanding of the complexity of end-of-life care and the vital role Chayim Aruchim plays in supporting families during these difficult decisions.
