Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz: The Human Body After Death

Rabbi Steinsaltz discusses the status of the human body after death as a source of defilement rather than holiness. He suggests that any abuse of a dead body is contrary to the Jewish principle of "Honoring Creatures" (Kavod HaBriyot) because it is equivalent to abusing a defenseless person. He touches on the question of whether an autopsy may be performed in order to save another patient's life and whether the opinions of the family of the deceased may influence such a decision.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• steinsaltz
• talmud
• science
• medicine
• medicalethics
• judaism
• torah
• ethics
• morality
• society
• doctor
• jewish
• abortion
• euthanasia

[betzaleldaniel]

I believe the lower part of the soul (Nefesh ) stays attached to the body after death while the higher parts (Neshamah) ascend to heaven. So there is a holiness to the dead body (at least for those that lived in holiness)?!

[every1hatesitschrisc]

Condition of dead - Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 9:5-10; Psalms 146:4, Isaiah 53:12; Ezekiel 18:4. One sources says "Israelites to (were to) manifest respect for their bodies as Gods creations." — Psalm 100:3; 139:14; Job 10:8. The Human Body After Death - Genesis 50:2,3,26; their embalming likely involved surgical steps to remove internal organs. So the sources finishes "there are other factors that they can consider in deciding whether to permit an autopsy in a particular situation."

[raulitech]

from ashes you come, and back to ashes you return...end of story.