Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

A few years ago, our federal government allowed the possibility of MAiD - Medical Assistance in Dying. I cannot think of a more sensitive topic than how we confront illness and death. Over the centuries, volumes have been written by scholars and sages on end of life care and treatment. In simple terms, Judaism advocates passive euthanasia but not active euthanasia. With advances in medical technology, it is not always easy to distinguish between the two.

For particular circumstances, I should be consulted.

According to all rabbis and scholars I know, the introduction of MAiD a few years ago runs contrary to Jewish law, tradition, and values, even though we are always sympathetic to end of life care and concern.

Now, the federal government is debating the expansion of MAiD, which increases Jewish ethical concerns. The most vulnerable and feeble would be most directly affected by the proposed bill C-7. 

I intend to address this topic in my sermon on Shabbat February 13. In the meantime, I encourage you to become more aware of the issues at hand. I share with you a letter approved this week by the Toronto Board of Rabbis. I support the letter, and I am a member of this rabbinical organization.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison