Abortion in Judaism

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, Nov 28, 2002 - Religion - 288 pages
Abortion in Judaism presents a complete Jewish legal history of abortion from the earliest relevant biblical references through the end of the twentieth century. For the first time, almost every Jewish text relevant to the abortion issue is explored in detail. These texts are investigated in historical sequence, thereby elucidating the development inherent within the Jewish approach to abortion. The work considers the insights that this thematic history provides into Jewish ethical principles, as well as into the role of halakhah within Judaism.
 

Contents

The conundrum takes shape foundational verses
1
Evaluating life rabbinic perspectives on fetal standing
27
Divining a prohibition the positions of the Rishonim and Acharonim
58
No clear consensus the sages of a rising modernity
95
The struggle returns Jewish views begin to take form
133
Confronting a new reality legislation for a Jewish state
207
A halakhic challenge discerning Jewish abortion principles
227
Glossary
270
Bibliography
275
Index
285
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About the author (2002)

Daniel Schiff is the Jewish Education Institute Community Scholar in Pittsburgh, and Rabbi of B'nai Israel in White Oak, Pennsylvania.

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