The National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (Winnipeg section) and Chesed Shel Emes Winnipeg recently held a deeply impactful event, To Save a Life: A Jewish Discussion on Organ Donation. The panel featured Rabbi Yossi Benarroch, pediatric nephrologist and transplant physician Dr. Aviva Goldberg, and Henriette, a transplant recipient whose personal journey underscored the life-saving power of organ donation.
The discussion explored Jewish laws and traditions related to organ donation, dispelling myths and emphasizing the importance of having informed, open conversations with loved ones about donation decisions. Attendees also learned how to register their intent to become donors using Manitoba’s online registry, www.signupforlife.ca.
Henriette’s emotional testimony highlighted the transformative impact of living donation. Facing kidney failure, she was saved not once but twice—first by her mother, then by her husband—who both selflessly gave her the gift of life through kidney transplants. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of organ donation.
The event was made possible through the leadership of Leah Craven, President of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (Winnipeg section), and the dedication of many community members who worked to create a welcoming space for this crucial conversation. By engaging in discussions like these, the Winnipeg Jewish community continues to honor the fundamental Jewish value of pikuach nefesh—saving a life.