Medicine and Morals: Your Jewish Guide Through Life's Tough Decisions
Lesson 5 With You In Mind: Ethical Treatment of the Mentally Disabled
The mentally ill have often been viewed in society as possessed by the devil, or otherwise evil. Jewish law, however, has long recognized this as a disease, and acknowledges both the limitations of responsibility that this state imposes, as well as the essential humanity of the mentally ill.
Jewish law recognizes that there may well be islands of ability at the same time that limitations exist. It encourages the maximum participation possible of those with mental illnesses, while outlining the role the community must play in protecting their interests.
The lesson also considers the integration of individuals who may suffer from mental retardation, and the value of engaging them actively in Jewish life.
