I have a blog at halachamedicineandlaw.blogspot.com. I just noticed your responses to the question regarding the blood transfusions. Unless I missed it, perhaps the simple answer is "V'Chai bohem," which is the reason for being allowed (and required) to have a blood transfusion.
Marc Herschfus
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The halachic medical will
This blog is inspired by my mother, Rochel Esther bas Moshe (Rayetta Herschfus), who was just nifteres (passed away) on March 31, 2009 during a surgical procedure. As shiva was just completed yesterday, the initial postings do not have the academic and research content that I hope will eventually distinguish this site. However, I am both a physician and an attorney who has been studying for ordination, and therefore feel this needs to be addressed immediately. I ask mechila from the Gedolim and Poskim of our generation if there are any errors and I will correct those errors if brought to my attention.
Halacha (the law that guides Jews in all facets of their lives) dictates how Jews deal with end of life issues. Although there are halachic medical wills that can be placed in a medical chart, as my mother did, these documents do not indicate to the physician and health team when halacha recognizes that a person has died. This is vital, as halacha does distinguish between withholding and withdrawing life support. Based on Talmudic teachings, halacha defines death as the cessation of ventilation or of cardiac function. Therefore, if there is any detectable pulse or cardiac function, it is forbidden by halacha to take a person off a ventilator. (The issue of brain death will be left to a future posting). As Orthodox Jews, we do not ask others for their approval as to our halachic requirements, just the understanding of those who we will deal with in these settings. We live our lives by halacha and the end is also dictated by halacha.
As we get ready for Pesach (Passover), may we merit the coming of the Messiach speedily in our days.
Marc S. Herschfus
Halacha (the law that guides Jews in all facets of their lives) dictates how Jews deal with end of life issues. Although there are halachic medical wills that can be placed in a medical chart, as my mother did, these documents do not indicate to the physician and health team when halacha recognizes that a person has died. This is vital, as halacha does distinguish between withholding and withdrawing life support. Based on Talmudic teachings, halacha defines death as the cessation of ventilation or of cardiac function. Therefore, if there is any detectable pulse or cardiac function, it is forbidden by halacha to take a person off a ventilator. (The issue of brain death will be left to a future posting). As Orthodox Jews, we do not ask others for their approval as to our halachic requirements, just the understanding of those who we will deal with in these settings. We live our lives by halacha and the end is also dictated by halacha.
As we get ready for Pesach (Passover), may we merit the coming of the Messiach speedily in our days.
Marc S. Herschfus
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