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ליקוטי שמואל — Naso 5784

Выпуск: ליקוטי שמואל — Naso 5784. Темы: health_mind. Поисковые термины: здоровье, психология, стресс, health, mental, בריאות, נפש. By Yehuda Shurpin When it comes to the complex and sensitive topic of using genetic engineering to produce offspring with specific characteristics, it is important to bear in mind that there are many medical techniques and methods referred to as “genetic engineering,” as well as varying reasons why one may choose to use them. One common method of genetic engineering is to use PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis), which involves screening pre- implanted fertilized eggs to ascertain whether they harbor specific mutations that may cause certain diseases such as Tay-Sachs or cystic fibrosis. In the case of great need, certain procedures may be permitted with the guidance of an expert rabbi to ensure that all is done in a halachically acceptable manner.1 Assuming that the actual reproductive procedure is done according to halachah, we can now turn to the general question of genetic engineering. 4 The various issues raised on moral grounds include “playing G-d” and it being a “slippery slope.” However, some halachic authorities2 point to a principle articulated by Rabbi Yisrael Lipschutz, author of the classic commentary to the Mishnah known as the Tiferet Yisrael, which states, “Any activity that we have no reason to prohibit is permitted in halachah without having to find a reason for its permissibility, for the Torah does not mention every permissible thing, but rather elaborates on only those things that are forbidden.”3 Thus, in the absence of any compelling reason to believe that many of these procedures and techniques are actually forbidden, we can assume that they are permitted. .” Thus, in a situation where even the average person may feel intuitively in his gut that certain aspects may be questionable, one cannot simply state that the “default” is that it is permissible before carefully examining the issues.5 Saving a Life There is a difference between using genetic engineering in order to treat a hereditary disease and using it to change the characteristics of the child, such as height, complexion, intelligence, hair color, etc. This is especially true when 5 it comes to a potentially lifesaving treatment; after all, there is a halachic rule that pikuach nefesh (saving a life) overrides most prohibitions of the Torah.6 Pa

Издание

ליקוטי שמואל

Дата

14 июня 2024 г.

Страниц

8

Темы: health_mind