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 Board of Rabbis

Sign an Organ Donor Card today!

"Whoever saves one life is as though he saved the entire world."
~Talmud, Sanhedrin

The Board of Rabbis of Northern California invite you to give the Gift of Life by becoming and organ donor today!

Did you know that

  • 67,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant?

  • one person dies every three hours waiting for a transplant?

  • one person can supply as many as 8 organs (heart, 2 lungs, liver, pancreas, 2 kidneys and intestine)?

  • more than 40,000 Americans suffer from corneal blindness?  The need for corneas for transplant far surpasses the number donated each year.

  • tissue transplants (skin, bone, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can fight infections in burn victims, prevent the loss of arms or legs?

"Both of Mary's kidney's were successfully transplanted.  One of the recipients is a 52 year-old man from the Sacramento area who has been awaiting a transplant since 1991.  The other recipient is a 56 year-old mother of three who lives in the East Bay. She also, has been awaiting a transplant since 1991.  Both recipients are doing well." ~from a Chaplaincy Report at Stanford Medical Center

Common questions about organ donation

  • Why is this organ donor campaign being held specifically within the Jewish community?

Because many Jews are under the mistaken impression that Judaism is opposed to organ transplants.

  • What is the source of this misconception?

It arises from the principle of K'VOD HAMET, or respect for the dead, which forbids the deliberate desecretion of the body.

  • What are the facts?

The principle of PIKUACH NEFASH, or the preservation of human life, overrides K'VOD HAMET and all other similar considerations.  ALL THE BRANCHES OF JUDAISM SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATIONS AS A SUPREME MITZVAH!

Project details

This project of The Board of Rabbis of Northern California in cooperation with the California Transplant Donor Network is made possible by a generous gift of the Jewish Community Endowment Newhouse Fund of the Jewish Community Federation.

Can I get an organ donor card?
Yes!  See below for printing a Uniform Donor Card for your records.  Currently, there is NO present national nor state registry to list those individuals wishing to be organ donors. That is why it is VITAL that you inform your next of kin of your desire to donate. The following card may be printed, filled out and retained for your records.

UNIFORM DONOR CARD

In the hope that I may help others, I hereby make this anatomical gift, if medically acceptable, to take affect upon my death. The following indicates my desires:

I give

(a)_________any needed organs or parts

or

(b)_________only the following organs or parts

_______________________________________
(Specify the organ(s) or part(s))

for the purposes of transplantation.

_______________________________________
Signature of Donor

_______________________________________
Signature of Witness

_____/_____/_____
Date Signed

_______________________________________
City and State

This is a legal document under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act or other similar laws.

Please remember to inform your loved ones about your decision to donate.

California Transplant Donor Network
888-570-9400