“AND WHOSOEVER PRESERVES A SINGLE SOUL, SCRIPTURE ASCRIBES [MERIT] TO HIM
AS THOUGH HE HAD PRESERVED A COMPLETE WORLD.”
(Babylonian Talmud Sanhedrin 37a)
Emotional Difficulty of Thinking About Death
This is a general issue, not just a Jewish one. Everyone avoids thinking about their own mortality. We all find dealing with the sudden death of a loved one traumatic. But in spite of our reluctance, we do make plans: choosing guardians for our children, writing a will, buying life insurance or a cemetery plot, etc.
From Tragedy to Hope
What if something good could come out of tragedy? If you could save someone’s life? If part of you (or your loved one) could live on?
Stop and think about this:
What if someone you loved was dying and needed an organ transplant to live? Your child, spouse, parent, friend, even yourself?
Wouldn’t you want someone else to donate and save a life?
What can you do now? Get more information. Talk to your family and friends about your wishes. Sign an organ donor card. Organ donation is a great mitzvah!