Conservative Judaism/Blood/Son of God

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/18/2004


Question
Rabbi Lerner,

I am a 24 year old Lutheran, and I have some questions that have been plauging me.

1. Is it ok for Jews to accept blood transfusions, if so, why?

2. Do Jews believe in the pluralty of God?

Let me expound on number 2. In Genisis it says "let US create man in OUR image".
Who is the US? When God is called 'one', does this mean one in unity, like a husband and wife, or one in number like I am one person?

Also, I am debating online with some Jehovah's Witnesses. One of our biggest problems is 'What does it mean to be called The Only Begotten Son of God?' Does this mean that whoever this is is the same Nature as God, like my children are of the same nature as me, which is human?

I would ask my pastor, but I am more interested in a non biased source. For instance, in the NT the Pharisses thought Christ was blaspheming when he claimed to be the Only Begotten Son of God, because this meant he was equal to God in nature. Is this accurate, or were they mistaken?
Would claiming to be the Only Begotten Son of God mean equality in Nature to the Father?

I greatly appreciate your time.

Thank you,
Lindsey

Answer
Dear Lindsey,

Thanks for writing.

However,  I would urge you to speak with your Pastor about the second issue. My opinion as a Jew is irrelevant to your beliefs. This is especially important as it would be wrong of me as an adult and a Rabbi to interfere in your religious education.

Regarding the first question, Jews are permitted and even encourged to do whatever sustains, maintains and furthers human life - according to the best knowledge of the day. We accept transplants, transfusions, stem cell research, etc. All kinds of areas where human beings can further the lives of others and their own.

It is for that reason that Jews are commanded to provide for transplants where possible of Jewish "parts" without distinction to those in need, for example, in Israel to Israel Muslim or Christian or Druse Arabs. Similarly in this country, without regard to race, religion, gender, lifestyle, etc. Deuteronomy teaches "choose life" and we do.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Rabbi 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!:-)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.