Orthodox Judaism Essay

The topics I found to be the most decisive between the four major branches of Judaism is the use of medical marijuana. It is a tough issue as it is not specifically discussed in any portions of the midrash. Currently, contemporary Judaism is attempting to create a more contemporary midrash, none of the texts have been fully accepted or relied on by all four branches. Like all others outside of Judaism, the groups cannot fully agree on this issue.
To begin, we will examine the issue of medical marijuana use through the perspective of Orthodox Judaism. There is no consensus between the various integrationist and separatist within Orthodox Judaism. While some will stand firm that medical marijuana should not be used because it violates U.S. federal law, on the other hand, Orthodox separatists, like Hasidic, are more concerned with what is right and compassionate for a person regardless of the
“The Union for Reform Judaism in 2003 passed a resolution supporting medical marijuana and its legalization.” (GORDON) Since then many of this branch have been vocal advocates for legalizing medical marijuana in their respective nations.
Reconstructionist Judaism sees medical marijuana is acceptable on an individual level even pre-legalization for the land they are in, if the overall climate is changing that way.
As time goes on and this issue becomes more globally acceptable, more and more of the branches of Judaism will agree that the use of medical marijuana is ok. Even those who argue that it is forbidden under their interpretation of the Torah will begin to cite the Jewish idea of pikuach nefesh. Pikuach nefesh is derived from the Talmud, which “discusses a number of cases as examples in which Biblically mandated laws can be disregarded for the sake of saving a life.” (eTeacherHEBREW). Even the strictest practitioners of Orthodox Judaism will flex with the passage of time on the issue of medical