Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation: A Jewish Perspective
All denominations of Judaism agree that the supreme Jewish value, and greatest mitzvah, is saving a life. Because a single organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people, Judaism views organ and tissue donation as a sacred act of Pikuach Nefesh which overrides all other religious concerns, such as burying a body intact and expedient burial. Organ donation does not interfere with any Jewish burial rituals (Taharah) or the right to be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
Beliefs About Organ Donation
Reform:
Reform Judaism strongly endorses organ donation as a mitzvah, emphasizing the Jewish values of healing and saving lives (pikuach nefesh). The decision to donate organs exemplifies these core values. “Organ donation is a matter of life and death…Reform Judaism’s devotion to pikuach nefesh (saving a life) and our conviction that ‘You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor’ (Leviticus 19:16) compel us to support and encourage organ donation.” – Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Conservative:
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has affirmed that organ donation after death is not only permitted but encouraged as a mitzvah. Both brain death and cardiac death are acceptable criteria for determining when donation may occur. “It is not merely permissible for a Jew to bequeath organs for transplantation following death, it is a mitzvah to do so, in order to save one life, or several lives.” – Rabbi David Golinkin, Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem / Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff (Conservative) “The Jewish tradition puts saving a life above virtually all other considerations. Consequently, if transplanting organs will save someone’s life, that concern trumps the traditional Jewish concerns for avoiding any defilement of the dead and for prompt burial.”
Orthodox:
While supporting organ donation, Orthodox authorities emphasize the importance of proper determination of death, respectful handling of the body, and prompt burial of all remaining parts. Many Orthodox rabbis now accept brain stem death criteria when properly applied. “Halakhic death is defined as cessation of respiration… by proving that the brain, including the brain stem which controls automatic respiration, has been totally and irreversibly functionally injured… the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is prepared to permit heart transplants [from brain dead donors]…” – Ruling of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Council on Transplantation, November 1986 / Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Orthodox authority) From Igrot Moshe: “If one can save a life after death by donating organs, it is obviously a great mitzvah. The honor due to the dead is set aside for the greater concern of saving human life.”
Reconstructionist:
“Reconstructionist Judaism views organ donation as a profound expression of the Jewish values of saving life and acts of loving-kindness. We encourage our members to consider this important mitzvah.”
Common Q&As About Organ Donation
Does Jewish law permit organ donation?
Yes, virtually all branches of Judaism permit organ donation to save lives. It’s considered a mitzvah (religious duty) under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). While traditional concerns about respectful treatment of the dead and prompt burial exist, Jewish authorities across denominations have ruled that saving lives takes precedence over these considerations.
I’ve heard that Jewish law requires a body to be buried whole. How does organ donation align with this?
Traditional Jewish law does value burial of a complete body, but the supreme value of saving human life (pikuach nefesh) overrides this consideration. Most rabbinic authorities rule that organ donation doesn’t violate kavod ha-met (respect for the dead) when done to save lives. Many Jewish authorities also emphasize that all unused organs and tissues should be respectfully buried after the donation process.
What does Judaism say about the definition of death for organ donation purposes?
This is an area where there are some differences in interpretation. Many Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform authorities accept brain stem death criteria when properly diagnosed by medical professionals, making heart, lung, and other vital organ donation possible. Some more traditional Orthodox authorities may only accept cardiorespiratory death, which limits which organs can be donated. Individuals should consult with their rabbi about their community’s position.
Do I need special permission from a rabbi to become an organ donor?
While rabbinic consultation is encouraged, most denominations of Judaism do not require formal rabbinic approval for organ donation. Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist Jews generally make this decision personally, while some Orthodox Jews may wish to consult their community rabbi. Organizations like the Halachic Organ Donor Society (HODS) provide specialized donor cards that include rabbinic authorization.
Will organ donation affect my Jewish funeral or burial practices?
Jewish funeral homes and burial societies regularly work with families of organ donors. The donation process will not prevent a traditional Jewish funeral, including tahara (ritual washing), shrouds, and prompt burial. The chevra kadisha (burial society) should be informed about the donation, but they are trained to handle such situations respectfully.
Can I donate organs if I want to be buried rather than cremated?
Yes. Organ donation is completely compatible with traditional Jewish burial. In fact, Judaism generally prefers burial over cremation. After organ donation, the body can still receive a proper Jewish burial. Some Jewish donor cards even specify that unused organs and tissues should be returned for burial with the body.
If I’m Jewish, should I get a special type of donor card?
While a standard organ donor card is valid, some Jews prefer to use specialized cards that address specific religious concerns. The Halachic Organ Donor Society (HODS) offers donor cards that include rabbinic approval and can specify whether the donor accepts brain death criteria or only cardiac death. These cards can provide additional reassurance to family members about religious compliance.
Does Judaism permit receiving organ transplants, even from non-Jewish donors?
Yes, Jewish law permits receiving organs from any donor to save a life. There are no restrictions on receiving organs from people of other faiths. The principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) applies equally to giving and receiving organs.
Can I donate organs if I want a traditional tahara (ritual washing) before burial?
Yes. After organ donation, the body can still receive tahara. The chevra kadisha (burial society) that performs the ritual washing is accustomed to working with bodies that have undergone medical procedures, including organ donation. The mitzvah of saving lives through donation is considered to enhance, not diminish, the dignity of the deceased.
