AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Question I want to be an organ donor, but if I am, can I still have a Jewish funeral and burial? My preference would be cremation. Is that allowed? Help..I just came back from a funeral and this is on my mind....
Answer Dear Frances,
Thank you for writing about a very important subject for all of us.
I am responding with a general background as a traditional, Conservative Rabbi. You should, however, speak with your Rabbi for a definitive and authoritative opinion for yourself as a member of their congregation.
The Conservative Movement endorses organ donation, and I for one have signed my driver's license and included this option in my medical proxy.
In general, Jewish law to the best of my knowledge has provided for organ donation as a positive act if not a mandatory mitzvah of "pikuach nefesh," saving a life of another.
Israel has also included the opinions of the chief Rabbis in support of organ donation. The only concern and delay in their opinion had to do with different definitions of "death" - respiratory failure, heart failure or brain death. This also had to do with the time-frame for removing the organ(s).
We even frequently hear reports in the newspapers of organ donations from Israel from Jews to Israelis of all background, religions, ethnicities.
Best wishes and may you have many years of good health and joy with family and friends in a world at peace for all.
