PowerPoint Presentation

- Reflection of Beliefs inPractice & Ethics

The central belief in Judaism

Reflected in the Vidui Confessional Prayer (right)

Rabbi Ted Falcon elucidated this recitation is meant to inspire calmness at a moment of transition, urging us to remember that everything is contained in God.

Reflects Maimonides Principle #:The Belief in G-d - in Death & MourningMay it be your will, My God and the God of my ancestors,that I sin no more and that you grant healinghealingof the body and healing of the soulto me together withall those who suffer.

I acknowledge before you, My God and the God of myancestors, that my healing and my death are in Yourhands. If it should be that I die, may I find atonement forall my sins, errors and transgressions before You. Mayyou accept me into Your eternal kingdom.

Protector of orphans and guardian of widows, may myfamily and all those who love me find comfort in yourpresence. In your hands lies my soul.Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God; the Lord is One.

1114When informed of anothers death, an adherent says Blessed are You, Eternal One our God, Universal ruler, the True Judge reflects Principles 1,4 & 5 of Maimonides 13.

IN MOURNING:- Shivah 7 Day- Shloshim 30 Day- Avelut 11 months

Observe restrictions from luxuries, which progressively lessen with time.

Not a time for visiting the deceaseds grave.

The Belief in G-d - in Death & Mourning

The Belief in G-d - in Death & MourningMay His great Name grow exalted and sanctified (Amen.)in the world that He created as He willed.May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days,and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel,swiftly and soon. Now respond: Amen.(Cong Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.)May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled,mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, Blessed is He(Cong. Blessed is He) beyond any blessing and song,praise and consolation that are uttered in the world. Now respond: Amen.May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and lifeupon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen.He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace,upon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen.Belief ReflectedG-d as Creator, Omnipotent

G-d as Eternal

G-d as unparalleled & absolute

G-d as omnipotent

Tzelum Elohim humanity, created in G-ds image, has intrinsic value and dignity.

So God created mankind in his own image... Genesis 1:27

While Judaism has many beautiful symbols there is only one symbol that represents God, and that is each person. Professor Richard H. Swartz.

Tzelium Elohim & Euthansia- Bioethics

I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and our children may live Deuteronomy 30:18

Avodah Zarah 18a. Rabbi Chanina ben Teradion was set to burn by the Romans. Refused to open his mouth to end his suffering.

Let Him who gave me [my soul] take it away, but no one should injure oneself.

Jewish Bioethics instruct adherent to not euthanise because of tzelem Elohim and the belief that the human person does not own their body.Tzelium Elohim & Euthansia- Bioethics

Death and mourning practices second purpose is to show respect for the deceased kavod-ha-met reflect also reflects tzelium Elohim.

The shomerim silently watch the body from the time of death to burial. This conveys the constancy of recognising the human person as Adonais creation.

Chevrah kadesha = Aramaic for the holy fellowship have the responsibility for burial, dressing and ritual purification of the deceased taharah.

Tzelium Elohim, Kavod Ha-Met- Death & Mourning

The washing of the body is a symbol of passing from life to death.

Chief Rabbi Goldstein of South Africas speech. He describes it as a chesed shel emet , an act of true kindness due to its anonymity to the deceased.

There is an inner peace one experiences when preparing someone for burial properly and according to halachah It provides the person being buried with dignity. Follow the link 7Leviticus 19:9-18 - you shall love your neighbour as yourself.

Wrapping the deceaseds body in shrouds or tachrichin -- wearing the same clothing signifies egalitarianism in death. However liberal denominations permit regular clothing.

The simplicity of the gravestone or matzevah.

The tombstone which they will erect over my grave may adorn the simple graves about me, and the simple graves shall be an ornament for mine. Sholem Aleichem

The Equality of Human Life-Death & Mourning Practices

(above) A Jewish cemetery in Essaouira, Morocco.Judaism allows abortion in circumstances where the mothers life is in danger.

Adherents believe that life occurs when the crest of a babys head emerges from the mothers womb. Equality of Life, Abortion- Bioethics

If a woman is having difficulty in giving birth [and her life is in danger], one cuts up the fetus within her wombbecause her life takes precedence... Oholot 7:6)

The embryo is dependent on the mother and not considered nefesh.

Creating life remains a significant belief, allowing in-vitro fertilisation as it is believed to reflect halakhic law.

Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it Genesis 1:27

He did not create the world to be desolate, but rather inhabited. Isaiah 45:17

Reflecting Halakhic Law, IVF- Bioethics

Within 24 hours from death, the deceased is prepared for ground burial. The immediacy reflects the belief that the body should be returned from its origin

from dust you are and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19

It is said that only when the body contacts the soil that the soul returns to heaven. Because of this belief Orthodox Judaism prohibits cremation.

Soul & Resurrection of the Dead- Death & Mourning Practices

The belief in the resurrection of the dead prohibits autopsies & medical extractions.

Not reflected in Reform Judaism: rejects the belief in the resurrection of the dead.

Organ donation was formerly associated with murder by numerous early rabbis

Assumed to impede upon resurrection.

The Israeli Chief Rabbinate has endorsed organ donation in 1986.

Reflects pikuach nefesh, the command to save lives.

Pikuach Nefesh Organ Donation- Bioethics

Shalom Aleichem

null6295.527