The recent Ebola outbreak raised questions as ancient as pandemics themselves. In 1918 an influenza virus caused a pandemic that killed an estimated twenty to forty million people in the course of a single year. What was learned from this global tragedy that enables us to combat pandemics more effectively today? How do we balance the needs of the greater society versus the rights of individuals thought to be infected? What risks are health care professionals permitted or obligated to take in order to combat a deadly disease?

This lecture took place at the 10th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.