This morning, Paula (Pinkie) Hansen addressed the congregation about her experience as an organ donor recipient. When Pinkie's husband's best friend donated his kidney to her seven years ago, her life changed for the better. She no longer had to spend four hours a day for three days a week on dialysis. The quality of her life improved drastically. Her friend did indeed give her a gift of life.
For most organ donors, however, the gift of renewed life is given after their death. Some might ask if organ donation is even permissible halachically within Judaism. The answer is yes. The value of pikuach nefesh, saving an endangered life, suspends all halchik principles except three. One may not save a life by engaging in murder, adultery, or idolatry. One may donate his/her organs after his/her death, however, as long as it is ascertained that one is brain-dead. The key is that one's body should not be unduly tampered with after death and if an organ is not used in the end, it should be buried with the body. Organ donation is the only mitzvah that one may fulfill after life ends.
Our congregation knows first hand, the wonders inherent in the technology that permit individuals like Pinkie to have a second lease on life. We all need to think seriously if we would consider providing another individual, even one we don't know, a similar opportunity after our life has ended. Those wanting more information on this topic can either speak to Pinkie or call me for materials to read from Jewish perspective.
Shavuah Tov.
I always wondered if being an organ donor was permissible. Thank you for always finding a teachable moment!
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