Donating human organs
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) is organising a Jewish Community Organ and Tissue Donation Forum.
Organ donation is possible in Judaism, as long as it is performed Halachically, and saving lives is of the utmost importance. The key speakers at the event will be:
- Dr Helen Opdam, Victorian Medical Director of Organ & Tissue Donation, DonateLife Victoria and Senior Intensive Care Specialist, The Austin Hospital;
- Associate Professor Dr Shlomo Cohney, Chair, Victorian & Tasmania Renal Transplant Advisory Committee;
- Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, General Manager Cultural & Spiritual Services at Jewish Care and a member of the board of the Melbourne Beth Din for the Halachic perspective; and
- two Jewish organ recipients to hear their personal stories.
Nina Bassat AM, President of the JCCV said, “It is important to discuss your decision regarding organ and tissue donation with your family, because even if you register your wishes on the Australian Organ Donor Register, your family will have to confirm your decision before any donation can proceed.
If you have queries about what is Halachically correct, please discuss this with your Rabbi.”
At the forum, there will be information booths with representatives from various congregations and experts from DonateLife present to help people who may have detailed questions.
