Organ Donation

March 1998

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, affirming the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, has adopted a resolution encouraging all Jews to become enrolled as organ and tissue donors. The resolution further urges that potential donors sign and carry cards or drivers licenses attesting to their commitment of such organs and tissues, upon their death, to those in need.

According to Stephen S. Wolnek, International President of the United Synagogue, the resolution -- adopted at the organization's 1997 Biennial Convention -- is based on the premise that consideration for the health and welfare of others is at the heart of Jewish ethics. Organ and tissue donation is recognized as a life-giving act, since "the transplantation of organs and tissues is scientifically proven as a way to save the lives of persons with terminal diseases or to improve the quality of life for the blind, the deaf and others with life-threatening diseases."

The resolution goes on to state that "the opportunity to ring healing and hope to an afflicted person by the family of a person who died an otherwise senseless death may provide a deep measure of comfort to [the] family." In addition, it recognizes that those in need who do not receive organ and tissue donations continue to die due to lack of consent for donation.

Given the above, and given also that the Rabbinical Assembly's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has approved the donation of some organs, the United Synagogue has taken a strong position encouraging such donation.

According to Sarrae Crane, USCJ Director of Social Action and Public Policy, "With thousands of people on waiting lists for organs, Jewish organizations have a moral responsibility to publicize this effort."

Rabbi Jerome Epstein, USCJ Executive Vice-President, explains that "many Jews have been reluctant to register as organ donors because of the misperception that Jewish law forbids organ donation. Nevertheless, the religious mandate to preserve life takes precedence over all other religious obligations."

Citing the biblical commandment "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor" (Lev. 19:16), J.B. Mazer, recently appointed chair of the United Synagogue Commission on Social Action, points out that "the life-saving impact of organ donation cannot be disputed... "The preservation of human life is obligatory, not optional."