Limud Zedek: The Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Social justice advocacy group on stem cell research.

Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida kicked off its social justice advocacy group, Limud Zedek, with a forum on stem cell research featuring a rabbi, two state representatives, a scientist and a patient. The participants were educated on the science of stem cell research, heard the Jewish perspective and learned how they could directly affect the legislative process. Two panelists of the forum were sitting State Representatives that reported to their collegues the commitment the Reform Jewish community has to support stem cell research. They collected over 600 letters to mail to Florida representatives and senators and over 80 people signed a state petition for a Florida Constitutional Amendment supporting stem cell research

The congregation has sent delegates to lobby the state legislature to address the need for stem cell research in the next session.