We see one common, tragic misconception when people grapple with their future healthcare needs: the belief that it is less stressful to delay uncomfortable yet important conversations about our future to the future itself – or to when it becomes urgent.

Yet innumerable cases and centuries of Jewish thought prove the opposite is true: the earlier we start these conversations, the clearer our healthcare decisions will be. And the better we can protect ourselves and our families from avoidable anxiety.

This is why we ask: Ematai, “If Not Now, When?”

וְאִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו, אֵימָתַי

לַכֹּ֖ל זְמָ֑ן וְעֵ֥ת לְכָל־חֵ֖פֶץ תַּ֥חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם – קהלת ג:א

“A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Everything in its time means being present to whatever troubles us: one-day-at-a-time, moment-by-moment. When you divide the magnitude of aging and illness this way, the uncertainty of the future becomes more than just manageable; it becomes navigable. It means living-in and being fulfilled-by what we have in the present, whatever that might be. It includes setting goals and finding hope in achieving them as you recalibrate what it means to feel a sense of meaning and mission.  

This process can include spiritual reckoning and inspire uplifting religious experiences. Despite the inherent difficulties that might come our way, these periods may be imbued with prayer, reflection, repentance, and heartfelt conversations that provide for meaningful moments until the very last breath.

The Torah greatly values living and affirms the sanctity of all human life. Judaism is also concerned about an individual’s quality of life.  Illness can be associated with unbearable suffering, and the Torah mandates us to try to alleviate such agony.   At times, these values can seemingly conflict, particularly in moments of uncertain medical prognosis. Patients and their families will need to make difficult decisions.  Their health care providers and spiritual mentors can work together to help them navigate these moments

Judaism recognizes the wonders of modern medicine and the expertise of healthcare professionals while affirming that the Torah’s ethical teachings can wisely guide Jews and non-Jews alike in the complex dilemmas posed by 21st-century science. Modern medicine offers many powerful interventions and therapies. Their implementation must be guided by an ethic that respects the dignity found in all creatures created in the Divine image.

For this reason Ematai has created a coalition of rabbinical and medical experts to help you navigate your health care choices.