The May 3 panel discussion, “Informing Innovation: Emerging Medicine and Jewish Ethics,” begins at 9 a.m. and features experts focusing on the latest advancements in genetic and genomic testing, as well as gerotherapeutics—drugs that target the biological processes of aging.

“What was once considered science fiction is now real, and as scientific and medical innovation accelerate, the question is no longer just what’s possible—but what’s responsible,” said Rabbi Jason Weiner, PhD, senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai. “As a faith-based institution, we believe it’s essential to explore the science and its ethical, moral and theological implications. This event creates space for those conversations so people can make more informed decisions about their health.”

Topics Include:

• What research shows about emerging “anti-aging” therapies

• Clinical trials targeting the root causes of aging—and the potential impact on cancer, dementia, heart disease and other conditions

• The difference between evidence-based medicine and widely marketed but unproven products

• What genetic testing can and cannot reveal

“Advancements in genomic technologies have bolstered the promise of solving medical mysteries, predicting future health risks, and advancing personalized medicine,” said Joyce So, MD, PhD, chief genomics officer at Cedars-Sinai and a speaker at the event. “But that promise also raises ethical and theological questions. Asking those questions now helps ensure we use these powerful tools wisely.”

So’s presentation will explore direct-to-consumer genetic testing, genetic discrimination, privacy and confidentiality concerns, predictive testing without clear treatment options, and disparities in access to—and understanding of—genetic information.

James Kirkland, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Advanced Gerotherapeutics at Cedars-Sinai, will address common misconceptions about longevity science, including the gap between promising research and proven therapies. He also will discuss lifestyle interventions being studied now and how emerging gerotherapeutic approaches could reshape clinical care in the next decade.

“If scientists can safely slow the fundamental processes of aging, the impact could extend across many diseases at once,” Kirkland said. “Early clinical trials are already exploring how conditions linked to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, begin developing long before symptoms appear. If these approaches prove safe, the next step could be preventing disease in people at high risk.”

Kirkland also will share his team’s research into removing damaged “aging” cells or preventing them from releasing harmful substances that contribute to disease and decline later in life.

Other event speakers include Rabbi Elan Segelman, U.S. rabbinic director of PUAH; and internationally known Torah scholar Rav Asher Weiss Shlit”a, who will give the keynote address.

“Informing Innovation: Emerging Medicine and Jewish Ethics” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvey Morse Auditorium, 8701 Gracie Allen Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Attendees are encouraged to register at csethicssymposium.com.

Media

To arrange an interview, contact Kristin Reynolds at 424-241-8108 or marykristin.reynolds@cshs.org.

Supporting holiday traditions is a vital part of patient care, said Rabbi Jason Weiner, PhD, senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai.

“Hospitalized patients often feel especially lonely this time of year,” said Weiner, a board-certified chaplain. “They may feel they’re missing out on time with loved ones and special traditions, or that they’re an extra burden on family. The holidays can be a heightened reminder of how upsetting it is to be in the hospital, so we try to help patients celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them.”

Given Cedars-Sinai’s diverse patient population, the medical center underscores inclusivity year-round through general interfaith support. And during the December holiday season, thoughtful touches help spread holiday happiness.

On the first night of Hanukkah, for example, patients can enjoy a traditional holiday meal featuring minestrone soup, beef brisket and potato latkes, jelly donuts, and a challah roll. Patients also can request an electric menorah.

Those celebrating Christmas receive an afternoon snack of (Santa-approved) milk and cookies, followed by a Christmas Day meal that includes beef brisket, roasted red potatoes and a Linzer cookie. Many patients also put up small trees and decorate their rooms with stockings and garlands.

At Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, pediatric patients receive a special visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, courtesy of David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai, who also happens to be Santa’s best friend.

Patients with dietary restrictions receive holiday-appropriate healthy alternatives so they can participate in the spirit of the season.

Kwanzaa and other cultural commemorations also are supported upon patient request.

These simple gestures help patients feel more connected, Weiner said, adding that technology also plays an important role.

“The COVID-19 pandemic led to more of a familiarity with using technology to virtually connect,” Weiner said. “More people are using Facetime or Zoom to visit with their loved ones over the holidays, and I often see patients attending virtual religious services from their rooms.”

This year, patients can attend special holiday programming led by Cedars-Sinai or watch the broadcasts on their in-room televisions. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Weiner will lead a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony open to staff, visitors and patients. The Spiritual Care Department will host a Christmas Extravaganza on Thursday, Dec. 18, and its chaplains will lead Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

“We like to get in the holiday spirit to make what is a tough time for patients and families better,” Weiner said. “We want people to feel as good as they can at this time of year, and to feel a part of something special.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Holidays in the Hospital—Celebrating When a Loved One Is Ill

“The holidays can be incredibly hard, and they can highlight who and what we don't have in our lives at the moment,” said Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital Chaplain Rev. Hannah M. Rhiza, MA, MDiv. “It's important to recognize that for each person on a journey through grief or sadness, there is no right or wrong way to engage with the festive season.”

Rhiza, who normally helps the hospital staff celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with a festive spiritual care cart, added a new tradition this year: She hosted a “blue holiday” event for employees, complete with rock painting and ornament making while soothing music played in the background. Employees painted smooth rocks with words of encouragement or threaded colorful ribbons marked with feelings—like anger, love, fear—into clear ornaments. Participants loaded up on hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows and whipped cream while they snacked on cookies.

“It doesn’t have to be the typical holiday cheer,” Rhiza told her colleagues.

Letting go of what the holidays should look and feel like can be liberating, said Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Chaplain Rev. Peggy Kelley. People often compare their holiday experiences to others’, which can make them feel they’re missing out on the connections and love that might seem so abundant for others. “I encourage making space for self-compassion during a time that can feel dark,” Kelley said.

Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Rhiza about advice for coping during a “blue holiday” and how to support a loved one experiencing loss or sadness during the festive season.

What would you recommend for people coping with grief or sadness over the holidays?

Rhiza: Set realistic expectations for yourself this year. Acknowledge that it may look very different than the holiday seasons of the past. I encourage everybody to feel all the feelings. I think when people try to deny what they're feeling and what they're going through—grief or feeling blue during a season where it seems like everybody around you is festive—that can make things a lot harder. Surround yourself with people who you don't have to explain yourself to and ones that will be supportive.

What are tips for navigating holiday parties?

Rhiza: I recommend getting in contact with the host early. Find out the very last moment you can actually cancel your decision to go. With the best of intentions you may have accepted the offer to attend a party, but when the day comes, it might be an incredibly hard time for you. Or Plan B: Attend the party but can you bring a supportive friend with you to be a source of support for the night? And lastly, the time frame. You don't have to stay there the whole night. If you can possibly make an appearance and keep it at that, that might be just what you need to go. 

What kinds of self-care do you recommend?

Rhiza: I always lean toward comfort and creativity. Things like hot chocolate or pastries that remind you of the way that you had celebrated the holidays before, or something that is a source of comfort for you. Rock painting is a wonderful tool as well, to have that one little moment where you're not thinking of where you are right now, but you're able to focus on what is in front of you. Seek out solutions and resources that work for you from trusted sources. I find a lot of inspiration online from public health experts and organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Institute of Mental Health.

How can you support a loved one who’s grieving?

Rhiza: Be present. I don't think that there is enough credit or weight that's held on that, but it's incredibly powerful to be present, to listen, and to see your loved ones exactly where they are, meeting them where they are without judgment. Make sure they are taking care of themselves, and encourage self-care.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Social Anxiety—How to Navigate the Holiday Season

The Jewish High Holidays, a time of reflection, repentance and new intentions, begins Oct. 2 at sundown with Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year—and continues on Oct. 11 with Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar.

Jason Weiner, PhD, senior rabbi at Cedars-Sinai and director of the Spiritual Care Department, will lead High Holidays services at the medical center on Oct. 3, 11 and 12. Patients, staff and the community are welcome.

In hopes of leaving congregants with meaningful inspiration for the year ahead, Weiner prepares for the sermons he will give during High Holidays services by researching, reading and, most importantly, listening. The past year has been an especially heavy time for people around the world, Weiner said, so the opportunity to craft a message that brings comfort and inspires reflection and renewal can feel both daunting and heartening.

“I speak with many patients at Cedars-Sinai about how world events have impacted their lives this year,” he said. “People tell me they are yearning for healing and comfort. I hope my message can offer help and hope. At the same time, I appreciate listening, learning and gaining inspiration from others during the High Holidays. I’m looking forward to having our community together for all these reasons.”

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Weiner more about the High Holidays services and what messages he hopes to convey.

What are some prominent themes of your High Holidays sermons this year?

I’ll focus on the role of the Jewish people during these difficult, divided times in our world, and on themes of resilience and overcoming adversity. In Jewish tradition, we believe the Ten Commandments were broken by Moses and that new whole tablets were kept in the Ark of the Covenant along with the broken tablets. Likewise, our world has felt broken this year. I want to emphasize that it’s critical during these times to maintain balance and perspective. I’ll also express how important it is to embrace community—to recognize that we can’t do everything alone and that we need each other’s support. That’s what the holidays are about—coming together for support and camaraderie.

What are your wishes for the Jewish New Year?

I’m hopeful for a fresh start, a new beginning, and the opportunity for a better year ahead. There’s a classic Hebrew saying, “May the old year and its curses end, and may the new year and its blessings begin.” I feel like that saying is really perfect this year.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and continues through Friday, Oct. 4; Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Friday, Oct. 11, and continues through Saturday, Oct. 12. Weiner will lead three High Holidays services in the Harvey Morse Auditorium at Cedars-Sinai. Prerecorded services also are available.

• Rosh Hashanah: Thursday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–noon  
• Kol Nidre: Friday, Oct. 11, 6:30–8 p.m.
• Yom Kippur: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Cedars-Sinai Rabbi Publishes Book About Bioethics