Jewish Medical Law and Policies

You were given a special gift; the ability to help others in need. Help make your hospital stay more comfortable by taking a few minutes to browse through fundamentals of the Jewish religion, and the culture that surrounds it

Organ Donation

Judaism holds life as being sacred. For this reason, donating an organ to save a life is one of the highest acts of virtue one can do.

An amazing article written by Rabbi Aron Moss, Rabbi of Nefesh Shule in Sydney, can be read here.

Organ Donation Policy by the Sydney Beth Din

Blood Transfusion

While you are alive, to donate an organ that will replenish themselves, like bone marrow or blood, in order to save or vastly improve another life is one of the greatest acts you could do.

Policy Guidelines:
There is nothing in Jewish law preventing any Blood transfusion, donation or even collection of blood.

End of life

Even during the most difficult situations, our Torah is here to guide us and strengthen us.

Policy Guidelines:
Jewish law considers life of almost infinite value. One moment of life is considered as valuable as 70 years of life. Therefore, any decisions in relation to treatment or withdrawal of treatment, even at the end of life, have great moral significance. As such, euthanasia both active and passive is strictly forbidden in Jewish law.

As these questions can be very delicate and halachic rules nuanced, please seek Rabbinic advice in these situations.

Body Parts

Does Judaism bury missing body parts? What if the coroner removed some body parts?

Policy Guidelines :

Every attempt should be made to recover all body parts including blood for the purpose of bringing them to a Jewish burial.

In relation to amputations, please seek Rabbinic advice.

IVF

Under Jewish law, medical intervention including IVF is permitted and encouraged when needed. The primary concern is the correct identification of sperm, eggs and embryos.

Policy Guidelines :
As a general rule, in Jewish law, IVF and other fertility treatments using the husband’s sperm with a wife/mother egg and uterus are allowed.

However, the issues are complicated and an expert Rabbi in the field should be contacted, such as Rabbi Ulman.

For more about IVF according to Jewish Law by fertility experts Genea and the Sydney Beth Din, click here 

Desecrating the Shabbat and Yom Tov

There are many things which are forbidden irrespective of the fact that they are powered by electricity or not, simply because they perform functions that are forbidden on Shabbat.

When life is in danger even when that risk is remote, all prohibitions are suspended and everything maybe done to heal the patient and preserve life. This includes even if the patient is, terminal. Anything and everything maybe done in Shabbat or Yom Tov (Festivals) to lengthen life.

An person when life is not in danger and is in Hospital (ie visitors, spouse, family member or patient), should try to avoid breaking Shabbat. Preferably, turning on and off lights and other activities should be performed by a Gentile Nurse/Doctor. Any document or items that needs to be signed should be done after Shabbat or Festivals or signed with a left hand.

Click here for more information.

Fasting on Yom Kippur and other fast days

Policy Guidelines:

This includes no fasting including on Yom Kippur, if life is in danger.

As a general rule a women whithin 3 days of giving birth, may not fast even on Yom Kippur. Speak to a expert Rabbi for further advice.

An person when life is not in danger and is in Hospital (ie visitors, spouse, family member or patient), should try to avoid breaking Shabbat. Preferably, turning on and off lights and other activities should be performed by a Gentile Nurse/Doctor. Any document or items that needs to be signed should be done after Shabbat or Festivals or signed with a left hand.

Advanced Care Directive

Under NSW laws, adults can document their preferences for future medical treatment, should they lose decision-making capacity.

Advanced Care Directive Policy Designed for the NSW Jewish Community