Saving a life

​In the early years of organ donation, some rabbis argued that a clinically brain dead person whose heart was still beating was still alive according to Jewish law and
therefore, harvesting organs was akin to murder.

Others who accepted brain death as death according to Jewish law, still discouraged removing organs because Jewish tradition  mandates burying the body intact.

This was quickly resolved however, as rabbis witnessed successful transplants leading to  recipients leading long and meaningful lives.   While respect for the body's integrity is one of our highest principles, Pikuach Nefesh, saving a human life, is the MOST important.
 
Over time, accepting organ donation as consistent with Jewish law has become nearly universal.  Even in Israel amongst the strictest religious communities, organ donation is accepted.
 
There is no prohibition against organ donation!!   To save a life is the greatest mitzvah!

Rabbi Janice Mehring