The Heart of Jewish Law

This session traces the descriptions of the heart in rabbinic literature across the centuries. From Pharaoh’s hardened heart to the case of the heartless chicken in the seventeenth century to today’s artificial heart and pig heart transplants, we will explore the intersection of medicine, science, and Torah throughout the ages. This lecture was delivered by Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman at JLI's 19th annual National Jewish Retreat in 2025. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: https://jretreat.com.