Bruriah High School’s biennial science and Halacha program explores the intersection of the scientific and halachic realms. At each of these events, Bruriah juniors and seniors are introduced to the conversations surrounding medicine and Halacha and how these have evolved. This cross-curricular program underscores the primacy of Halacha in all facets of life, while preparing students for the complexity of shailos that may occur as they progress through life.

Bruriah’s first presenter, Rabbi Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, MACP, FIDSA, FSHEA is a renowned international lecturer on medical ethics and Jewish law. He gave a fascinating in-depth analysis of organ donation and the myriad of halachic implications associated with it. He gave the students the fundamental ideas needed for the next portion of the program, where they examined articles that presented a scientific conundrum, like engineered meat and brain death, that they then had to evaluate critically through a halachic lens. This exercise paired seamlessly with the second presentation, given by Rabbi Benzion Dembitzer, the director of Genetics at ATime, who explored the topic of genetics and their seemingly contradictory statuses medically and halachically.

Rabbi Miodownik, chair of Bruriah’s TSBP and Halacha department underscored the importance of this program: “The intersection between Halacha and science is fascinating and our students are keenly interested in how each affects our understanding of the other, and by bringing together professionals who have their hands in both worlds it enables our students to see the breadth and depth of the Torah world we inhabit.”