Students in Mrs. Rosenbaum’s senior Forensics elective analyzed blood splatter last week. They concluded their unit on DNA analysis by inviting TABC rebbe Rabbi Jachter to talk about how DNA applies to cases brought before the Beit Din. Rabbi Jachter discussed the difference between macroscopic and microscopic evidence in halacha. He discussed how DNA analysis was used to release agunot after 9/11, explaining that halachic evidence for proving a husband’s death can include more lenient witnesses, such as one witness, a non-Jewish witness, a second-hand account, or DNA analysis of remains. Rabbi Jachter also discussed other areas where forensic analysis may come up in Bet Din, such as verifying contract signatures and whether camera or video statements can be used in gittin or other halachic scenarios. It was a great example of how scientific analysis and halachic sensibilities can be used together in real-life applications.