Dear Friends,
This evening marks Repro Shabbat, a time to not only embrace our day of rest but also reflect on the significance of bodily autonomy for all individuals, especially women, given the weight of historical context. Following services, our community will once again assemble and distribute aftercare bags as we did last year with utmost care and compassion.
It is often the case that the discourse surrounding reproductive rights is misconstrued as a mere political debate. In reality, the Jewish perspective on reproductive rights is rooted in the Halachic legal concept known as the rodef, the pursuer.
Within Halacha, Jewish law, a rodef is defined as someone who poses a threat to another’s life. Jewish tradition unequivocally states that when an individual is pursued and their life is at risk, they are not only permitted but also obligated to intervene to save their life.
Our tradition extends this concept to encompass pregnancy. It teaches that if a pregnancy endangers the mother’s life, the fetus is considered a rodef, and the mother’s life takes precedence. The law is clear: the mother’s life, health, and well-being are of utmost importance, even if that necessitates the termination of the pregnancy.
It is important to note that Judaism does not treat potential life lightly. A fundamental principle of Judaism is the sanctity of all life. However, our tradition equally emphasizes the protection of the life of the person who is already present, known, and in relationships—in this case, the mother.
Therefore, Judaism resists simplistic, absolute answers. It embraces nuance and recognizes that these decisions are complex, deeply personal, and often emotionally challenging. Consequently, it places trust in those most directly affected to navigate these matters with care and seriousness.
This brings us to tonight.
Repro Shabbat is, above all, about dignity. It affirms that individuals deserve the autonomy to make deeply personal decisions without external pressure, and as a community, our role is not to judge but to provide support.
Therefore, the significance of what occurs after services cannot be overstated.
Each aftercare bag serves as a subtle declaration of our community’s identity: a group that consistently shows up, cares deeply, and respects the intricate tapestry of people’s lives.
Through these aftercare bags, we will make clear that values are only meaningful when they are lived out. This tradition remains relevant when compassion is transformed into action, and these actions are grounded in the respect and dignity of others.
Thus, tonight’s focus is not solely on creating aftercare bags but on embodying humility, compassion, and a profound sense of responsibility towards one another.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Daniel M. Cohen
If you wish to contribute even further, you may consider donating to NCJW’s Jewish Fund for Abortion Access.