Jews, Genes, and Motherhood: Modern Science and Jewish Chosenness

Abstract

Many modern Jewish legal decisors have struggled with two questions: (a) how should the Halakha relate to scientific progress; and (b) should the Halakha change in response to paradigm shifts in how we view our surroundings and the universe due to advances in scientific thinking. For example, the use of technology has the potential to change the way we observe the Shabbat, and advances in artificial reproduction can certainly impact on traditional Jewish definitions of parenthood. In addition, scientific and technological progress in genetics has profound implications for the age old question of who is a Jew? In the present essay, we will discuss how these advances impact fundamental questions in Jewish identity, Jewish thought and the relationship between Halakha and science. A recently published responsum highlights these issues and nicely illustrates the complex relationship and potential tension between Halakha, science and Jewish theology. Rabbis Carmel and Arenreich (modern halakhic decisors residing in Israel) were asked the following question: