Monday, January 23, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
DOC ROCK 1/21/06 FHC 7:30-9:30pm Tickets available at the door.
As one of my readers stated, after the suicide blog entry, we may all need some:
DOC ROCK the TERRIFIC local rock band that is led by bassist Dr. Baskin.
DOC ROCK is playing at First Hebrew this Saturday night at 7:30pm.
Tickets are available at the door !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The event also includes incredible desserts and ice cream and of course soda.....
ICE COLD BOTTLED BEER at cash bar
Bring your friends and family to this upbeat and enjoyable evening of ROCK & ROLL.
SEE YOU THERE....
DOC ROCK the TERRIFIC local rock band that is led by bassist Dr. Baskin.
DOC ROCK is playing at First Hebrew this Saturday night at 7:30pm.
Tickets are available at the door !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The event also includes incredible desserts and ice cream and of course soda.....
ICE COLD BOTTLED BEER at cash bar
Bring your friends and family to this upbeat and enjoyable evening of ROCK & ROLL.
SEE YOU THERE....
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Suicide and related issues. Some thoughts....
What is the Jewish "thing to do" in the event a person is terminally ill and in severe pain?
I would hope the answer would be to comfort that person as best as medically possible, including pain killers and whatever else is medically available while not in any manner shortening or terminating the life.
What is the Jewish "thing to do" in the event a person is terminally ill and in severe pain and that person desires to terminate their life?
I would hope the answer would be that as Jews, only G-d should give and take life. Note that my answer states should since we are all aware of humankind taking life for various reasons.
What is the Jewish "thing to do" in the event a person is terminally ill and in severe pain, and the person has a living will that states that he/she wants to be medicated into a coma and that no medical efforts should be made to sustain the comatose life?
Is medicating someone into a coma and following a living will that directs such conduct the equivalent of suicide?
What is the difference between assault with a deadly weapon and medically inducing a coma for no known medicinal (or should I say life sustaining) purpose?
Is the practice of medicine only for life sustaining purposes? If so, is an abortion (elective, as opposed to protecting the life of the mother) a medical procedure?
Should the Doctor's oath "First do no harm" or some variation to that phrase be modified to be something more akin to the "best interests of the patient". If the patient would rather cease living in pain than continue in pain and the patient's intent is clear and unequivocal either through a writing or some form of spoken living will, who is to decide what is in the best interests of that patient? The Doctor? A Judge? A legislator? A relative? An ethicist? A Religious code or law?
According to one web-site on the issue, suicide in Jewish law is forbidden.
"A person's soul is not his to extinguish, and he cannot not direct someone else to assist him in ending his life. Regarding assisted suicide and the activities of Kervorkian, Jewish law is clear and definite. Under no circumstances may a doctor directly kill, or indirectly provide the means for suicide. Any form of active euthanasia is strictly prohibited and condemned as plain murder. The fact that the patient is in unremitting pain and pleads for assistance in ending his life does not change the law. Murder is one of the three cardinal sins prohibited by the Torah, and anyone who kills a dying person is liable to the death penalty as a common murderer.
Jewish law maintains that one has no absolute ownership of one's body. We are given a body for a fixed time. We are obliged to guard it for safe-keeping and to make rational decisions about its care. We have no rights to tamper with life except for the purpose of preventing its destruction or loss.
Life, be it for 120 years, or a split second, is itself of infinite value. It has intrinsic value, mystical, and unfathomable. Therefore the quality of life during any one moment does not alter its infinite value.
Terrible "mistakes" have been made which cost people their lives. A relative of man was in a very bad auto accident (in which 3 of the occupants were killed). She was in a coma and the doctors wanted to "pull the plug." The family resisted, and today this woman is 100 percent alive and healthy.
Even the removal of a pillow when a person is in death throes, thereby hastening death, is forbidden. (Rabbi Moses Isserles, Code of Jewish Law)
Having said this, there are certain conditions where it may be permitted to withhold certain medical treatments that would otherwise prolong life."
That being said, there are many shades of grey (gray) concerning these issues. Life and life's decision are not always etched in rabbinical black and white answers.
Shalom. Jeremy
I would hope the answer would be to comfort that person as best as medically possible, including pain killers and whatever else is medically available while not in any manner shortening or terminating the life.
What is the Jewish "thing to do" in the event a person is terminally ill and in severe pain and that person desires to terminate their life?
I would hope the answer would be that as Jews, only G-d should give and take life. Note that my answer states should since we are all aware of humankind taking life for various reasons.
What is the Jewish "thing to do" in the event a person is terminally ill and in severe pain, and the person has a living will that states that he/she wants to be medicated into a coma and that no medical efforts should be made to sustain the comatose life?
Is medicating someone into a coma and following a living will that directs such conduct the equivalent of suicide?
What is the difference between assault with a deadly weapon and medically inducing a coma for no known medicinal (or should I say life sustaining) purpose?
Is the practice of medicine only for life sustaining purposes? If so, is an abortion (elective, as opposed to protecting the life of the mother) a medical procedure?
Should the Doctor's oath "First do no harm" or some variation to that phrase be modified to be something more akin to the "best interests of the patient". If the patient would rather cease living in pain than continue in pain and the patient's intent is clear and unequivocal either through a writing or some form of spoken living will, who is to decide what is in the best interests of that patient? The Doctor? A Judge? A legislator? A relative? An ethicist? A Religious code or law?
According to one web-site on the issue, suicide in Jewish law is forbidden.
"A person's soul is not his to extinguish, and he cannot not direct someone else to assist him in ending his life. Regarding assisted suicide and the activities of Kervorkian, Jewish law is clear and definite. Under no circumstances may a doctor directly kill, or indirectly provide the means for suicide. Any form of active euthanasia is strictly prohibited and condemned as plain murder. The fact that the patient is in unremitting pain and pleads for assistance in ending his life does not change the law. Murder is one of the three cardinal sins prohibited by the Torah, and anyone who kills a dying person is liable to the death penalty as a common murderer.
Jewish law maintains that one has no absolute ownership of one's body. We are given a body for a fixed time. We are obliged to guard it for safe-keeping and to make rational decisions about its care. We have no rights to tamper with life except for the purpose of preventing its destruction or loss.
Life, be it for 120 years, or a split second, is itself of infinite value. It has intrinsic value, mystical, and unfathomable. Therefore the quality of life during any one moment does not alter its infinite value.
Terrible "mistakes" have been made which cost people their lives. A relative of man was in a very bad auto accident (in which 3 of the occupants were killed). She was in a coma and the doctors wanted to "pull the plug." The family resisted, and today this woman is 100 percent alive and healthy.
Even the removal of a pillow when a person is in death throes, thereby hastening death, is forbidden. (Rabbi Moses Isserles, Code of Jewish Law)
Having said this, there are certain conditions where it may be permitted to withhold certain medical treatments that would otherwise prolong life."
That being said, there are many shades of grey (gray) concerning these issues. Life and life's decision are not always etched in rabbinical black and white answers.
Shalom. Jeremy
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Doctor assisted suicide? A difficult question
Justice Kennedy of the US Supreme Court writes in his 1/16/06 decision:
The question before us is whether the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) allows the United States Attorney General to prohibit doctors from prescribing regulated drugs for use in physician assisted suicide, notwithstanding a state law permitting the procedure?
By a 6-3 vote, the US Supreme Court held that the CSA does not allow the United States Attorney General to prohibit doctors from prescribing regulated drugs for use in physician assisted suicide.
I have provided to you a link to the actual decision and the dissenting opinions from the United States Supreme Court.
I have not had a chance to digest the opinions of the Court on this issue, but I think this would be a great opportunity to discuss this very important issue and area of the law. I welcome your thoughts either through the blog or directly to me by e-mail.
Shalom. Jeremy
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/17jan20061050/www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/05pdf/04-623.pdf
The question before us is whether the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) allows the United States Attorney General to prohibit doctors from prescribing regulated drugs for use in physician assisted suicide, notwithstanding a state law permitting the procedure?
By a 6-3 vote, the US Supreme Court held that the CSA does not allow the United States Attorney General to prohibit doctors from prescribing regulated drugs for use in physician assisted suicide.
I have provided to you a link to the actual decision and the dissenting opinions from the United States Supreme Court.
I have not had a chance to digest the opinions of the Court on this issue, but I think this would be a great opportunity to discuss this very important issue and area of the law. I welcome your thoughts either through the blog or directly to me by e-mail.
Shalom. Jeremy
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/17jan20061050/www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/05pdf/04-623.pdf
Monday, January 09, 2006
The Heimlich Manuever Saves lives: A personal story
On 1-7-06 my daughter performed the Heimlich Manuever on her brother who was choking on a bone. (Their picture is below) I cannot express my gratitude enough, except to advise all of my readers that if you have not taken CPR/Heimlich etc training, I urge you to do so. If not for my daughter's extensive training as a lifeguard and all the related training that goes with it, I could not tell you what would have transpired on what I thought was a quiet Saturday afternoon. Based upon this event, I request of our FHC president (who is very familiar with these issues) to see if we can get some training/certification program at FHC for our membership. If there is a reasonable fee or contribution needed for this, I will be willing to sponsor such a program. (TO LIFE!!!)
Shalom. Jeremy
Shalom. Jeremy
SUPER BOWL MILLION DOLLAR MONEY AND FREE GIFT!!!!
"I am holding a million dollar bill that I can use to get a free gift at the Super Bowl
party at FHC on FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I just told my mommy that I want to go to the Super Bowl party since it is going to be even bigger and better than last year's party (even though I may not have been around)
If I show the million dollar bill at the party I will get the free gift and get to keep the million dollar bill.
Mommy should send in the money for the party to FHC or contact this guy Jeremy at 914-736-6455 for more information."
party at FHC on FEBRUARY 5, 2006. I just told my mommy that I want to go to the Super Bowl party since it is going to be even bigger and better than last year's party (even though I may not have been around)If I show the million dollar bill at the party I will get the free gift and get to keep the million dollar bill.
Mommy should send in the money for the party to FHC or contact this guy Jeremy at 914-736-6455 for more information."
Friday, December 30, 2005
Kosher foods
Is anyone interested in placing an order for kosher venison? That's right, Bambi is OK or should I say " 'K with the Rabbis".
I happen to like the taste of Venison. I have tried Bison which can also be kosher if butchered correctly.
It might be fun to pick some unusual meats and food that are kosher and have a food-tasting night at FHC.
If there are vegetarians out there that would like to get involved with a food tasting night, you are welcome to add your ideas/imput.
Below is a link for kosher venison.
Shalom Jeremy
http://www.koshervenison.com/
I happen to like the taste of Venison. I have tried Bison which can also be kosher if butchered correctly.
It might be fun to pick some unusual meats and food that are kosher and have a food-tasting night at FHC.
If there are vegetarians out there that would like to get involved with a food tasting night, you are welcome to add your ideas/imput.
Below is a link for kosher venison.
Shalom Jeremy
http://www.koshervenison.com/
Thursday, December 29, 2005
HAPPY SECULAR NEW YEAR
To all readers of the blog, let me wish you and yours a happy and healthy secular new year.
As I look back on this past secular year the biggest events for my Krew certainly were Noah's brain surgery and Emily's Bat Mitzvah. We are quite thankful that both life events went well and without any complications. We've been blessed....
On a personal note, I thank my loving and lovely wife for her moral support throughout everything and for being a terrific spouse, mother to my children and friend.
To all Shalom. Jeremy
As I look back on this past secular year the biggest events for my Krew certainly were Noah's brain surgery and Emily's Bat Mitzvah. We are quite thankful that both life events went well and without any complications. We've been blessed....
On a personal note, I thank my loving and lovely wife for her moral support throughout everything and for being a terrific spouse, mother to my children and friend.
To all Shalom. Jeremy
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
A BIG CHANUKA THANKS TO EVERYONE
On December 25, 2005 we held FHC's Chanuka party. We had over 50 guests enjoying the open gym, barbeque food and movie shown in the library on the big screen. Not to mention the salads, pickles, latkes and the delicious cookies and gelt, which appeared to be enjoyed by all. Below this blog entry are some pictures from the event.
As co-president of the Men's Club, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in the preparation, planning and execution of this event. Since I do not mention names on this blog, I know that I will not have the problem of forgetting anyone.
And to the guests, I hope you enjoyed the evening. I am glad so many people joined the Rabbi at the downtown candlelighting ceremony. I could not attend the candlelighting since I was busy getting the party ready at FHC. The party for me, by the way, went very fast since I was primarily working in the kitchen and elsewhere. I would have liked to schmooze with everyone, but we can do that at the next few events coming up........
Joint Men's club/sisterhood breakfast with speaker 1/8/06 (A VERY INTERESTING TOPIC... COME AND LEARN MORE.)
Doc Rock 1/21/06 (LIVE ROCK MUSIC FROM ONE OF THE PREMIER LOCAL BANDS)
The Super Bowl 2/5/06 (FHC'S SECOND ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY. LAST YEAR WE HAD OVER ONE HUNDRED GUESTS. THIS YEAR LET'S TOP THAT.)
THESE EVENTS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS. IT WOULD BE NICE IF WE COULD HAVE OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES JOIN US FOR THESE EVENTS.
SHALOM. JEREMY
As co-president of the Men's Club, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in the preparation, planning and execution of this event. Since I do not mention names on this blog, I know that I will not have the problem of forgetting anyone.
And to the guests, I hope you enjoyed the evening. I am glad so many people joined the Rabbi at the downtown candlelighting ceremony. I could not attend the candlelighting since I was busy getting the party ready at FHC. The party for me, by the way, went very fast since I was primarily working in the kitchen and elsewhere. I would have liked to schmooze with everyone, but we can do that at the next few events coming up........
Joint Men's club/sisterhood breakfast with speaker 1/8/06 (A VERY INTERESTING TOPIC... COME AND LEARN MORE.)
Doc Rock 1/21/06 (LIVE ROCK MUSIC FROM ONE OF THE PREMIER LOCAL BANDS)
The Super Bowl 2/5/06 (FHC'S SECOND ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY. LAST YEAR WE HAD OVER ONE HUNDRED GUESTS. THIS YEAR LET'S TOP THAT.)
THESE EVENTS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS. IT WOULD BE NICE IF WE COULD HAVE OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES JOIN US FOR THESE EVENTS.
SHALOM. JEREMY
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
A HAPPY AND HEALTHY CHANUKA TO YOU AND YOURS
FROM MY KREW A HAPPY CHANUKA, HANUKA, CHANUKAH HANNUKAH, AND ANY OTHER SPELLING YOU LIKE. SHALOM, JEREMY
Chanuka Candlelighting 12/25/05 Downtown Peekskill 5:30pm
Start anew, or continue the tradition of the downtown Peekskill candlelighting commencing the celebration of Chanuka 12/25/05 5:30pm. Of course, afterward come to FHC at 6pm for the Chanuka party. If you need any information concerning these events, you can contact me or the Rabbi.
Shalom. Jeremy
Shalom. Jeremy
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
12/25/05 Chanuka party at FHC 6pm
On 12/25/05 6pm we are having a Chanuka party with open gym, movie, barbeque food and games. If you have not sent in your money, do so, or pay at the door.
It is only $25 per family everything included!!!!! or $7 per person.
If you have little ones there will be babysitters too. What more could you ask for.
Chappy Chanuka
Shalom. Jeremy
It is only $25 per family everything included!!!!! or $7 per person.
If you have little ones there will be babysitters too. What more could you ask for.
Chappy Chanuka
Shalom. Jeremy
Bikkur Holim in action
Bikkur Holim members made Hanukah gift bags for residents of area nursing homes. The committee is sponsoring a Hanukah party at the NYS/VA nursing home this coming Sunday afternoon (12/25). To participate, please contact the Rabbi or Ann by e-mail rabbi@firsthebrew.org or annlasch@optonline.net(The e-mails listed above were authorized by the above individuals to be placed on the blog)
Shalom. Jeremy
Friday, December 16, 2005
Chanuka Party 12/25/05 6pm at FHC
A happy family Chanuka party at FHC on 12/25/05 6pm, with open gym, a movie in the library on our big screen and food (yes I will be barbequing) and Chanuka stuff. Sounds like a great time for the whole family. The gym will be open for basketball and some other games, maybe a dodge-ball game or two.
The movie will be something for pretty much everyone pg or pg13. Families and individuals are all welcome!!!
The food will be fun for a December evening with outdoor grilling by yours truly and we hope to have latkes and other good food to enjoy. Shalom Jeremy
The movie will be something for pretty much everyone pg or pg13. Families and individuals are all welcome!!!
The food will be fun for a December evening with outdoor grilling by yours truly and we hope to have latkes and other good food to enjoy. Shalom Jeremy
Monday, December 12, 2005
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