Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz: Bridging Medicine and Jewish Philosophy
Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz is a distinguished figure who seamlessly integrates the rigorous world of clinical medicine with the profound depths of Jewish thought. With a career spanning multiple continents and disciplines, he has dedicated his life to exploring the intersection of science, ethics, and spirituality.
Academic and Medical Foundation
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Tatz began his professional journey in the medical field. He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, where he earned distinction in surgery. His early career was marked by international exposure and service, including a year in St. Louis, Missouri, as an American Field Service Scholar.
Furthering his clinical expertise, he completed elective work in internal medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Tatz also served as a medical officer in the South African Defence Force, during which time he served in the Angolan Bush War. His professional practice eventually led him to Israel, where he worked in both hospital settings and private practice in Jerusalem.
Spiritual Journey and Educational Leadership
Although not raised as an observant Jew, Dr. Tatz underwent a spiritual transformation in adulthood, becoming a baal teshuva (a term referring to a Jewish person who returns to the practice of Orthodox Judaism). This personal evolution paved the way for his transition into religious leadership and scholarship.
Today, he is a member of the staff at Ohr Somayach and the Jewish Learning Exchange. He has also contributed as a guest lecturer at Gateways and serves as a regular lecturer for the Jewish Learning Exchange Genesis leadership programme. His influence extends to the United Kingdom, where he delivers lectures to various Jewish student organizations, including an annual medical ethics presentation at University College London, hosted by the Medical Ethics Society and the Jewish Society.
Contributions to Ethics and Philosophy
As a recognized expert in Jewish philosophy, Rabbi Tatz has authored several texts that explore the complexities of faith and reason. One of his notable works, Letters to a Buddhist Jew, was described by Zoketsu Norman Fischer—the founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation and former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center—as a fascinating and serious contribution to the field.
Beyond his writing, he is the founder and director of the Jerusalem Medical Ethics Forum. This organization is dedicated to the international promotion of Jewish medical ethics, providing global lectures on the application of Jewish thought to modern medical challenges.
Key Facts
- Medical Education: Graduated with distinction in surgery from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School.
- Military Service: Served as a medical officer in the South African Defence Force during the Angolan Bush War.
- Specialization: Expert in Jewish thought, philosophy, and medical ethics.
- Institutional Affiliations: Staff member at Ohr Somayach and the Jewish Learning Exchange.
- Leadership: Founder and Director of the Jerusalem Medical Ethics Forum.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Degrees/Training | University of the Witwatersrand (Surgery); Washington University School of Medicine (Internal Medicine) |
| Clinical Experience | South Africa, United States, and Israel (Jerusalem) |
| Key Organizations | Jerusalem Medical Ethics Forum, Ohr Somayach, Jewish Learning Exchange |
| Notable Publication | Letters to a Buddhist Jew |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Jerusalem Medical Ethics Forum?
The forum was founded by Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz to promote knowledge of Jewish medical ethics on an international scale, focusing on how Jewish thought applies to modern medicine.
Where did Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz study medicine?
He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School in South Africa and performed elective work at the Washington University School of Medicine in the United States.
What does the term "baal teshuva" mean in the context of his life?
A baal teshuva is a person who was not raised in an observant Jewish home but returns to the practice of Orthodox Judaism as an adult.
Which academic institutions in the UK does he collaborate with?
He gives an annual medical ethics lecture at University College London, hosted by the Jewish Society and the Medical Ethics Society.
How has his work been received by non-Jewish scholars?
His book, Letters to a Buddhist Jew, received praise from Zoketsu Norman Fischer, a prominent Zen teacher and former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, who called it a serious contribution to the field.