Death with dignity has become one of the catchphrases of 21st century values and an attractive possibility. However, with medical treatment costs rising and limited resources, the right to die has increasingly become a duty to get out of the way. Are there circumstances where Jewish law would condone physician-assisted dying? Must life be artificially sustained interminably despite terminal illness, suffering or coma? How do we balance the duty to sustain life with the duty to alleviate pain and suffering?

This lecture took place at the 10th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.