5. Organ Donor Shabbat

Who does it:
Temple Hesed in Scranton, PA

What they do:
Dedicated a Shabbat service to the cause of organ and tissue donation.

Time commitment:
Variable, depending on whom does what in planning the event; non-recurrent.

Who they do it for and why:
Planned and organized a program to heighten awareness regarding organ and tissue donation, to educate and enlighten the congregation on the Jewish position on organ donation, and to encourage family discussion on the issue. The congregation invited members who had been personally affected by the lack of sufficient donors to participate in the program. At the service, donor family members were honored with gold ribbons, while recipients wore red ribbons. Materials were passed out as people entered the sanctuary and the rabbi's sermon dealt with the Jewish view toward organ donation.

Optional/alternative:
A similar event could be organized promoting participation in a bone marrow matching process.

We would need:
¨ One or more persons willing to assume leadership of the project and manage it.
¨ A pool of volunteers willing to help plan and implement various aspects of the event.

If you are interested in organizing or participating in such a program, contact:
Jeanne Jacobs (phone: 747-1309, email timvp@templeisraeltulsa