X-Message-Number: 13925
From: "Dani Kollin" <>
Subject: Judaism and Cryonics
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 14:41:32 +0200

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As an Orthodox Jew I was more than curious to see what my religion had to
say on the topic. Suffice it to say I was not at all surprised by the
response with regards to cryotransport, however I was surprised that the
"authorities" were sufficiently well-versed to include and even allow its
use in surgery.

Dani

P.S. Lexicon: "Halichic" means "based on law" (Halacha being law)



Dear Dani;

Cryogenics may be used, Halachically, in surgery (Parkinson's,

cancer,etc), if the procedure is approved by the proper authorities in

the Health Ministry (F.D.A. in the U.S).

In speculative future cure of the dead, the application of cryogenics is

problematic. Once a person is dead, there is no Halachic obligation for

us to resurrect him, in the future. It is our duty to bury the dead;

not to cremate, freeze, or place in a mausoleum - "Igrot Moshe" (R' M.

Feinstein) Y.D. III, 144.

People should be buried in the ground, to facilitate quick decomposition

(which has a purifying effect) - "Tur," "Code of Jewish Law" 362.

All the best,

Rabbi P. Waldman

The Aish Rabbi


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