On Wednesday, April 11, 2007 I was asked the following question:

I thank you in advance for your time........
Is it against our religion to be an organ donor upon death?


 

This was my response:

Even among the Orthodox community, there are mixed opinions about organ donation. Some say it is acceptable, while others don't see it that way. The reason being that when "Hashem lifts the dead from their graves, there should be a complete body."

In modern times, with organ donations becoming a widely accepted practice, it has become, for the most part, generally acceptable within the broadest terms of Judaism...especially if in making the donation, it saves or betters a living person.

Shalom,
Rabbi Dan


 

If you have questions about a personal matter, or jewish practices and customs, you can submit them to me by e-mail. I answer all queries directly, or through this column, when the question is informative to our community.

Thank you for your kind attention and this opportunity to share with you,
Rabbi Dan S. Wiko
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