What Do We Owe Our Parents?
Guest: Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner
What do we owe our parents as they age? How do we honor them when their needs increase, their independence changes, or their wishes conflict with what we think is best?
Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody speaks with Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner about the complicated transition from being cared for by our parents to becoming their caregivers.
Drawing on his experience working with patients and families in the hospital, Rabbi Weiner explores the halachic and emotional challenges of caring for aging parents, balancing family responsibilities, making difficult medical decisions, and navigating the guilt that can accompany caregiving.
Key Topics:
How Kibbud Av V'em changes as parents age and children become caregivers
Balancing honoring parents with responsibilities to one's own family
When to say no to a parent's requests and recognizing the limits of caregiving
Making medical decisions for parents who can no longer speak for themselves
Navigating caregiver guilt and difficult end-of-life decisions
Having meaningful conversations with parents before it's too late
About the guest:
Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner is the Senior Chaplain and Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Senior Consultant at Ematai, and Rabbi at Knesset Israel Congregation in Beverlywood. He is the author of Bedside Halacha: Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals, CARE and COVENANT: A Jewish Bioethic of Responsibility, Jewish Guide to Practical Medical Decision-Making, andGuide to Observance of Jewish Law in a Hospital. Resources and sources mentioned in the conversation:
Nishmat Avraham — Rabbi Dr. Avraham S. Abraham
Sefer Chasidim — Rabbi Yehuda HaChasid
Robert M. Beren Healthcare Directive & Conversation Guide — Ematai
Kuntrus HaRofe L’Shvurei Lev - Rabbi Yitzchok Schechter (based on the teachings of Rabbi Dovid Cohen)
Story of Rav Asi - Kiddushin 31b
Learn more and access Ematai’s resources at ematai.org.
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