The Jewish Tradition and Choices at the End of Life: A New Judaic Approach to Illness and Dying »

This book will help readers make better, more informed choices as they or their loved ones face: the onset of a terminal illness or an incurable, chronic, debilitating condition; a lengthy period of debility and frailty, with ever greater and more demeaning physical or mental weakness and dependency; or a hopeless medical condition marking the final agony of a fatal illness. The author wants readers to face the process of dying and death in the twenty-first century informed by the Jewish tradition. To help them make sound end-of -life choices and deal with their angst and ambivalence, the book presents a wide spectrum of viewpoints from the various strands of contemporary Judaism - traditional (Orthodox) and more liberal (Conservative and Reform).

Author Biography: Lewis D. Solomon is the author of "The Jewish Book of Living and Dying", (Jason Aronson, 1999) and "Jewish Spirituality: Revitalizing Judaism for the Twenty-First Century", (Jason Aronson, 2000). He completed Rabbinical Studies at the New Seminary, S'micha in 1996. Currently, he is Theodore Rinehart Professor of Business Law, The George Washington University Law School.

Booknews

While he treats medical ethics and legalities relevant to terminal and chronic debilitating illnesses, the author of other books on Jewish living and dying focuses more on tools for making decisions "informed by, but not straitjacketed, by the Jewish tradition." Patients' tools include not blaming oneself; prayers of different types; meditations; taking more responsibility; cultivating a positive, lighthearted attitude; social support; and creating a lifemap. The perspective of loved ones and differences of opinion on Jewish law are also considered. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)