And you shall surely heal = [Ṿe-rapo yerape] : the Albert Einstein College of Medicine synagogue compendium of Torah and medicine • Vol 1

Abstract

This journal came into being long before the articles it contains began to be culled and edited a few months ago. Its beginnings took root four years ago as the idealistic vision of Rabbi Alex Mondrow, the new Albert Einstein College of Medicine rabbi. Rabbi Mondrow saw in the unique AECOM synagogue, composed solely of Jewish medical students and their families, great potential for the dedicated and creative study of medical halakha and ethics. As the first step in cultivating his vision of blending the worlds of Torah U'Mada, the traditional halakha and cutting-edge scientific knowledge, Rabbi Mondrow recruited Rabbi Howard Apfel, M.D., to deliver biweekly medical halakha classes to the students. Drawing upon his vast clinical experience and expertise in the area of practical halakha, Rabbi Apfel captivated the students and encouraged continued investigation into the complicated topics covered. ___Not wanting his congregants to be limited to hearing Torah and medical halakha second-hand, Rabbi Mondrow thought it prudent to not only encourage students' independent study, but also to put their ideas in print. Hence the idea of publishing a medical journal founded, written, and edited by Einstein students was born. This journal afforded students the opportunity to articulate their ideas in a public forum, and further promised to be the only medical halakha journal published in the English language. ___However, as students just beginning our medical careers, the prospect of investigating, studying, and publishing complex medical and halakhic topics seemed daunting. An idea taught to us by Rabbi Apfel came to mind that was suitable to address our concerns. (from Preface)