Q. Hi Rabbi Bartfeld, Hope you and your family are doing well. It’s been a while.
I am looking to ask for guidance on an issue with my dad. My dad has been put in the hospital under the mental health act. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer and paranoid delusions. He will be in the hospital until he is transferred to long term care.
The Dr. called me asking me what the resuscitation policy should be in case anything happens. My dad at times has told me that he would not want to be a vegetable and at times he said he would want to preserve life. My dad is not Jewish… but I want to do what is right.
Is there an Halacha on this?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in his case it is permitted for him to avoid excessive preservation of life methods, in order to avoid excessive suffering, and to accept what is recommended by his doctor.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.