Organ Transplant - What Does the Torah Say?

An advertisement for the new JLI (Jewish Learning Institutes) course.

Hundreds of thousands of people find their lives hanging in the balance as they hope for the gift of life in the form of a vital organ such as a heart, lung, or kidney. By receiving an organ, they are literally given a new lease on life. Yet there is a tremendous shortage of available organs. Does Jewish law allow the donation of organs, either from a live donor or one who is recently deceased? Do we have the authority to give a body part away? Might it go further, actively encouraging or even mor ally compelling one to donate under certain circumstances? This lesson provides a nuanced and compassionate look at the sensitive ethical issues governing organ donation.

JLI is associated with Merkos L'Inyanei Chinuch, the educational arm of Chabad-Lubavitch. Their mission is to inspire Jewish learning worldwide and to transform Jewish life and the greater community through Torah study.