The Schlesinger Institute for Medical-Halachic Research was founded in Israel in 1966 under the auspices of Shaare Zedek Medical Center. It is named after the hospital's second director-general. The institute is dedicated to the halachic (Jewish law) approach to medical ethics, and has the purpose of researching and resolving the halachic issues that emerge as medicine progresses, to consider their medical, halachic, legal and ethical ramifications, and to present practical responses. Leading rabbis, physicians and others, consider and respond to issues, with the intention of following the spirit of Torah.