Anshe Chesed of Linden recently hosted Rabbi Kalman Laufer for an engaging lecture on the topic of abortion and Jewish law in today’s ever-changing legal landscape. Rabbi Laufer, a highly regarded Torah scholar and dayan on the Beis Din of America, also serves as the director of the Bioethics and Jewish Law Program at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS).
Drawing on his extensive expertise in bioethics, legal history and halacha, Rabbi Laufer captivated attendees from Linden and nearby communities. One participant shared, “I didn’t know what to expect, but I walked away with a much deeper appreciation for halacha and for the necessity of poskim.” Another remarked, “Seeing how halacha developed from the Talmud through modern poskim helped demystify what is often a highly politicized topic.”
Audience members were particularly impressed by Rabbi Laufer’s clarity, profound knowledge and sensitivity in addressing such a complex topic. “He wove a narrative that was both informative and thought-provoking,” observed Rabbi Yosef Katz. By the end of the evening, Rabbi Katz shared, the question on everyone’s mind was, “When can we invite Rabbi Laufer back to explore more about medical ethics?”
To learn more or sign up for Rabbi Laufer’s Jewish Bioethics Certificate Program at Yeshiva University, visit https://www.yu.edu/riets/bioethics
