Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
Fluids and nutrition: perspectives from Jewish Law (Halachah)
1Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA.
Purpose:
The use of nutrition and hydration in the terminally ill had been considered normal supportive measures until recently. Currently, many institutions, health care personnel and family members hold that nutrition and hydration are extraordinary measures that may be terminated.
Methods:
A case is offered to discuss the ruling by traditional Jewish law (Halachah) on the issue of nutrition and hydration.
Results:
Judaism upholds the supreme sanctity of human life. Fluids and nutrition are considered as ordinary supportive measures rather than heroic.
Conclusion:
Withholding of fluids and nutrition is inconsistent with Jewish law. These modalities are neither withheld nor withdrawn on the patient with the brain tumor, dementia, and previous wishes not to be kept alive with machines.
Related Concept Videos
Composition of Body Fluids
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Body Water Content and Fluid Compartments
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Regulation of Water Intake

