National Donor Sabbath, a nationwide program developed by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration in 1996 as a way to make clergy and their congregations aware of the need for organ and tissue donation, is scheduled for November 13-15.
Although fewer than 10% of all houses of worship have taken part in this annual event, one organization is taking measures to increase participation. Transplant for Life, affiliated with the Irving Grant Service Center at Temple Kol Tikvah here, has created a grassroots program to promote participation among the Jewish community of Southern California.
"Our primary objective is to act as a catalyst for increased donation by helping synagogues and temples in all branches of Judaism in Southern California become active and united participants in this national effort," said Irv Goldberg, chairman of Transplant for Life. Through Transplant for Life, rabbis can obtain sample sermons and bulletins, scriptural references, and educational materials.
A Southern California group that represents all four branches of Judaism has endorsed the program. "This united support underscores the little known fact that, according to Jewish tradition, organ donation is not only permitted but actually commanded," Transplant for Life said in a press release.
For Your Information:
Transplant for Life
P.O. Box 261127, Encino, CA 91436
818-879-7799 (phone); 818-986-5576 (fax)
e-mail: organsave@aol.comNational Donor Sabbath
Guidelines and Resource Kit
http://www.transplantawareness.org/sabbath/contents.html
Please be aware that medical advice, diagnoses and physician references cannot be obtained from this site.