Next week I will be donating blood for at least the 150th time in my adult life.
I remember as a child accompanying my father Morris, of blessed memory, to the blood drives held at our synagogue where he would donate on a regular basis. Through his example, I learned at a young age the importance of blood donations.
When I began my studies at the University of New Hampshire, I started to donate at the drives that were held on campus. Since then, I have donated regularly, not only in New Hampshire, but also in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Honestly, I hate needles (who doesn’t?!?) but I derive great satisfaction from knowing that I may be helping to save lives - as many as seven lives per donation - through this simple act.
And yet, too few people are willing to make the commitment to give. According to statistics, fewer than ten percent of eligible people donate blood. While the need for blood is constant, there are often shortages because of a lack of donors.
What does Judaism have to say about donating blood? Obviously there is no mention of this in the Torah, as it predates by thousands of years the medical knowledge that we have today. However, there are references from which we can infer that blood donation is not just permitted, is not just desirable, but is in fact an imperative for those who can do so.
In the book of Leviticus, Chapter 19, verse 16, we read: “lo ta-amod al dam rei-echa - do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” This verse has been interpreted to mean that we must do what we can, within reason, to save the life of a person in danger. On a more universal note is the directive: “v’ahavta l’rei-acha kamocha - love your neighbor as yourself.” If we were in need of a blood transfusion, wouldn’t we want others to come for forward to help us at that moment? And so we have a responsibility, an obligation to give if we are physically able to.
We know that blood is the life force of all living creatures and is to be treated with the utmost of respect. That is why the Torah instructs us not to eat the blood of an animal that we have killed for food. To this day, one of the fundamental laws of kashrut is the draining of blood from meat before it is cooked. In a real sense, blood is sacred.
As Jews, we have a moral imperative to donate blood. If you already do, then kol hakavod - good for you! If you don’t, then now is the time to begin. If you have young children, bring them with you so that they can witness your act of chesed - lovingkindness, and learn a valuable lesson. Encourage your family members and friends to donate.
The power to save lives is coursing through your veins; be generous and share it with those who need it. Not only will you help others, but you will help yourself by feeling good about your act of kindness!