This conference takes its title and inspiration from a Talmudic quote, "whoever saves a single soul, is considered as though he saved the entire world." That precept underscores Judaism's perception that every human being - as a reflection of the image of God - is inherently valuable. What do ancient precepts such as this mean in the complex world of contemporary biomedicine? This conference offers an opportunity to explore this and other pressing questions.

Highlights:

• "What's Jewish About Jewish Bioethics" A discussion of issues of method and content that make Jewish bioethics distinctive (Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Ph.D.)
• "Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis: Perspectives from Medicine and Jewish Ethics" (Eugene Pergament, MD, Ph.D. and Rabbi Aaron Mackler, Ph.D.)
• "The Necessity of the Stranger: Judaism and Justice in Health Care Reform" (Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D.)
• Case, Comment, and Discussion: Presentation of challenging cases in pediatric, geriatric, and administrative health care, with reflection and commentary by rabbis, and group discussion. Cases presented by Jo Hammerman, MSSW, LCSW; John Lantos, M.D.; and Harold Shafter, M.D.; with Rabbinic Commentary by Rabbi Michael Balinsky; Rabbi Gail Glicksman, Ph.D.; and Rabbi Andrea London.
• Rabbi Peter Knobel, Ph.D., will serve as moderator

This conference will be co-sponsored by Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders, and the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, and it grows from a project funded by the Michael Reese Health Trust.

Conference registration: $125. includes continental breakfast and lunch. Registration materials will be sent shortly. For further information, or to register early, call toll-free (877) 944-4401 ext. 255, or visit us online at www.parkridgecenter.org.