226 Selected Reform Responsa

agriculture through the centuries, this matter has not been discussed in the older responsa literature, to the best of my knowledge. In modem times these efforts have been accelerated through selective breeding and an understanding of the genetic process. More recently cloning of plant tissues has been used successfully to produce plants which are absolutely true: this method holds great promise as well as potential dangers.

Genetic engineering of plants or animals within a species poses few old halakhic problems though it raises many other issues. Human beings have selective bred plants and animals since the eginning of herding and agriculture in order to adapt them to specific human needs and environments. Genetic engineering will accelerate this process. This may eliminate poverty, famine and disease but may also bring scourges and problems which we can not foresee.

We are standing at the edge of a new scientific era. We certainly wish to utilize the potentials of genetic engineering for the benefit of humanity. That may be partially within our power. It is not within our power to stop the scientific experimentation. The human yearning to understand the divine creation and everything in it as fully as possible cannot be halted, nor can the desire to alleviate the problems of hunger, disease, and poverty.

As we learn more about the nature of genetic engineering we must discuss its moral implications both with regard to animals and human beings. We realize that the line between plants, animals, and human beings is thin and in some ways does not exist at all. So we must proceed with caution. In consort with others we must set limits and provide direction. We have, of course, become especially sensitive to all these issues since the Holocaust and the terrible medical experimentation which occurred during the Holocaust .

We may be ready to accept genetic changes made for medical purposes and experimentation such as pikuah nefesh is an overriding consideration(Shab. 132a; Yoma 85b; 7osefta Shab. 17 and Alfas; Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim 328. 1; Hatam Sofer Responsa Hoshen Mishpat#185). Human life must be saved if it is at all possible and even some pain to animals is permitted for this purpose. Economic reasons, however, could not justify such a course of action. These should always be reviewed carefully.