When does human life begin? Is there a Jewish angle for this highly-charged debate?

Rabbi Leora Kling Perkins wrote in a Times of Israel blog from April 2021 that full personhood begins at birth rather than at conception. “That is a basic starting point for most conversations about reproduction in Judaism, from the Talmud to the present day.”

Kling Perkins of Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA, along with Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, NH and Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett of Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua, NH, will dig deeper into these rabbinic interpretations of sacred texts. They will also look at how Jewish attitudes contribute to the debate on abortion.

The choice to have children is individual, personal and sometimes difficult, as is the decision to terminate a pregnancy. Jewish traditions offer prayers and liturgy to celebrate bringing a new life into the world. But the rituals around ending a pregnancy are less clear. How do we cope with loss, potential shame or guilt around these decisions?

On May 22 at 4:30 pm at Temple Beth Abraham, three rabbis will illuminate how Jewish law teaches us to handle these hard choices with empathy, respect and support.

If you plan on attending, please register here. This event is being offered in-person and via Zoom.