Refuah & Psak

In this episode of Refuah & Psak, Rabbi Shlomo Brody speaks with speaks with Dr. Jonah (Yonah) Rubin, Ematai medical advisory board member and pulmonary and critical care physician at Mass General Hospital, about the medical and halachic considerations surrounding DNR (“Do Not Resuscitate”) orders. Dr. Rubin explains what CPR includes and that success should be measured not only by restarting the heart but by the chance of meaningful recovery. They address the confusion and tension DNR orders often cause, including misconceptions that DNR means “do not treat.” Both emphasize the importance of clear, proactive communication among rabbis, families, and clinicians, ideally through structured “goals of care” meetings, to clarify what the patient wants, distinguish between resuscitation and other treatments, and align medical decisions with the patient’s prognosis, values, and halachic guidance.

In this episode of Refuah & Psak, Rabbi Brody speaks with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Ematai rabbinic advisory board member and Chairman of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau, and a medical halacha authority—about how rabbis can most effectively communicate with physicians to guide families through complex medical situations. Rabbi Glatt emphasizes the rabbi’s multifaceted role: providing comfort and pastoral support, helping families navigate halachic decisions, and ensuring unity by clarifying in advance which rav should be consulted to avoid conflict. They explore strategies for involving all stakeholders, addressing differing religious orientations, obtaining accurate medical facts directly from doctors, and knowing when to consult more specialized poskim. From both rabbinic and medical perspectives, they stress respectful collaboration with healthcare teams, understanding hospital protocols, and advocating firmly yet diplomatically when halachic guidance differs from medical norms. The conversation blends practical scenarios, halachic principles, and relationship-building tips to help rabbis protect patient dignity, maintain shalom bayis, and achieve the best outcomes for congregants.

Welcome to Refuah & Psak, Ematai’s podcast for rabbis who support their congregants through life’s most sensitive moments.In this special introductory episode, Ematai associate director, Rachel Secunda PA-C, takes listeners on an imagined tour of the ICU with Dr. Jonah (Yonah) Rubin, Ematai medical advisory board member and pulmonary and critical care physician at Mass General Hospital. Together they demystify common but often misunderstood medical terms and scenarios to give rabbis an understanding of what they might encounter when answering shailot about medical dilemmas. Ultimately though, the best tip is to ask for a clear explanation or clarification!