Affiliation: Centrist Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Sepharadi
Rabbi Dr. David Shabtai doesn’t just talk about the overlap of Judaism, medicine, and ethics—he lives it. As the rabbi of the Sephardic Kehillah at Boca Raton Synagogue and a rebbe at Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida and Hadar High School for Girls, he brings halacha to life in both the beis medrash and the classroom. He’s also a go-to authority on Jewish medical ethics, teaching at Yeshiva University and RIETS, where he unpacks the intricate relationship between Torah, science, and medicine.
His path started with a degree in biological sciences from Columbia College and continued through medical school at NYU. Semicha from RIETS rounded out his expertise, giving him a rare mix of scientific precision and halachic depth. That combination fuels his approach—grounded, rigorous, and always engaging with the real-world impact of halacha.
His works on bioethics and Jewish law aren’t just academic; they shape real discussions. Defining the Moment: Understanding Brain Death in Halakhah is a major contribution to the field, and his research has appeared in The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society and Jewish Medical Ethics. During COVID-19, he provided halachic guidance on public health issues, and his current studies at Brown University focus on how halacha intersects with population health.
As Vice President of the Institute for Jewish Research and Publication, he’s behind an impressive body of scholarship—over 50 published works and counting. With a sharp analytical mind and a talent for making complex topics clear, Rabbi Dr. Shabtai is a driving force in Jewish medical ethics and education today.
Tying Method
| Method | String Ratio | URL |
|---|---|---|
| R' Hershel Schachter with Rambam strings | Rambam |
