Mourning Rituals

At death, several gestures indicate respect for the deceased as well as acceptance of the reality of death.

Kaddish Yatom, an Aramaic prayer glorifying God, is recited by mourners.

The misguided belief that one needs all body parts intact to be resurrected may contribute to the poor rate of organ donation--even for Jews with otherwise untraditional beliefs.

Sometimes there is a conflict between the mandate to save lives and the mandate to avoid health risks.

Jewish views on organ donation are overridden by a single halakhic (legal) concept: pikuach nefesh—the Jewish obligation to save lives.

After learning the results of an experiment involving a decapitated sheep, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach decided to permit organ donations.

Though most rabbinic authorities allow organ transplants, the Jewish community has a poor track record when it comes to donations.

The memorial service is added to the holiday cycle four times a year

What are the Jewish legal issues with organ transplantation?