How the Jewish Concept of 'Goses' and Consideration of the Metaphysical Suffering of the Soul can Contribute to Decision Making at the End of Life
Noam Stadlan, MD, Vice-Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, NorthShore University Healthcare System Evanston, IL
Prior to the advent of modern technology, patients who appeared to be in the process of dying usually followed one of two trajectories- recovery or death. Modern technology has created the possibility of holding a patient in that process, with neither recovery nor death. Traditionally Jewish thought has considered every moment of life to be of (near) infinite value, so that even a life devoid of thought and dependent on technology was felt to be of religious value. Without any compelling counter argument, many Orthodox decisors argue against discontinuing care under almost all circumstances.
The 13th century work, Sefer Hasidim, introduced the idea that sometimes there are impediments to the departure of the soul (and death), and that these impediments should be removed to allow the soul to depart in peace. This idea was codified and accepted, but it hasn’t been clear how to apply the medieval examples that were provided in the ancient texts to modern times.
This paper will provide a context based analysis of the concept of goses and how the original examples should be understood. It will then illustrate how those examples can be applied to modern times and technology.
This paper will also analyze why there should be an impetus to allow the soul to depart, and suggest that one contribution is the concept of ‘metaphysical suffering of the soul.’ While other religions do not share the Jewish concept of goses, those religions who believe in a human soul and consider the possibility of ‘metaphysical suffering of the soul’ may benefit from the analysis.
The 13th century work, Sefer Hasidim, introduced the idea that sometimes there are impediments to the departure of the soul (and death), and that these impediments should be removed to allow the soul to depart in peace. This idea was codified and accepted, but it hasn’t been clear how to apply the medieval examples that were provided in the ancient texts to modern times.
This paper will provide a context based analysis of the concept of goses and how the original examples should be understood. It will then illustrate how those examples can be applied to modern times and technology.
This paper will also analyze why there should be an impetus to allow the soul to depart, and suggest that one contribution is the concept of ‘metaphysical suffering of the soul.’ While other religions do not share the Jewish concept of goses, those religions who believe in a human soul and consider the possibility of ‘metaphysical suffering of the soul’ may benefit from the analysis.