Medical Ethics and Jewish Law

Medical Ethics and Jewish Law Thank you for the information regarding organ transplantation, both live and cadaver.
I plan to use the information in our study group.
We have a group who have been discussing life cycle events and related subjects from a Jewish view. The points you have made are indeed open to discussion. Reply

Medical Ethics Hello again,

I am now 51 and received my double-lung transplant approximately one year ago.
B'H' I am alive and well to tell the tale and all I would like to add in this response is that I cannot help believe it is a precious gift we give to save a life, while following all the rules that the Torah commands. As a Jew, as an organ recipient whose life was saved, I certainly hope there is "an across the board" agreement, soon, on what is the right thing to do. May we all be able to save a life or help save a life in any way we can. Reply

Thank you. As a young woman with a disease that will eventually necessitate the use of a feeding tube, this was a very relevant class for me. This topic has been weighing on my mind a great deal lately, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to hear such wise words. Thank you Rabbi Breitowitz for the gift of your knowledge, and Chabad.org for always having such wonderful resources available! :) Reply

On Life A heartbeat is the only indicator of life, in the dichotomy of a living body verses a vegetative body. As a heart resuscitates with each contraction, a brain may spiritually resuscitate by consumption of nutritive winds provided a collective desire for continuance spoken into that body. However, there is also the issue of quality of life, where the scales of justice and mercy weigh. Light established criteria for majorities, such as 40 for counsel, and 80 for power. One whom leaves a majority for the purpose of death is unable to perish without a majority whom believe a cure is findable. However, if a cure is no longer within the hope of the majority, then out of mercy God permits this death by tugging at the cosmic strings that we dance to subconsciously. Reply

Transplants As a 49 yearold Jewish woman, who needs a double-lung transplant, you have certainly shed light on some cloudy issues that I have been weighing on my conscience. Thank you for putting the cards on the table, from both a Halachic and Secular point of view, Frankly, I find that by following my Jewish instincts, my soul and heart, I find myself praying for lungs as soon as possible while not wishing any unnecessary pain or sorrow for others. In that regard, I am confident that Hashem understands the ethics better than me. Thank you again for your sharing your knowledge and insight. Reply