SELECTED REFORM RESPONSA
beat. On the other hand, a recent Israeli physician, Jacob Levy, has stated that modern medical methods change this criterion, and the lack of blood pressure as well as respiratory activity should suffice (Hamaayan, Tamuz, 5731).
This discussion was, of course, important in connection with the preparation for burial, as well as other matters. When death was certain, then the preparation for burial had to begin immediately(Hatam Sofer , Yoreh Deah 338; Azulai’s Responsa Hayim Shaul 11,#25). In ancient times it was considered necessary to examine the grave after a cave burial to be certain that the individual interred had actually died. This was recommended for a period of three days(Semahot 8.1). This procedure was not followed after Mishnaic times.
In the last years, it has been suggested that Jews accept the criteria of death set by the ad hoc committee of the Harvard Medical School , which examined the definition of brain death in 1968(Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 205, pp. 337ff). They recommended three criteria:(1) lack of response to external stimuli or to internal need;(2) absence of movement and breathing as observed by physicians over a period of at least one hour;(3) absence of elicitable reflexes; and a fourth criterion to confirm the other three,(4) a flat or isoelectric electroencephalogram. They also suggested that this examination be repeated after an interval of twenty-four hours. Several Orthodox authorities have accepted these criteria, while others have rejected them. Moses Feinstein felt that they could be accepted along with shutting off the respirator briefly in order to see whether independent breathing was continuing(Igerot Mosheh, Yoreh Deah 11, #174). Moses Tendler has gone somewhat further and has accepted the Harvard criteria(Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 238, #15, pp. 165.1ff). Although David Bleich (Hapardes, Tevet 5737) and Jacob Levy(Hadarom, Nisan 5731, Tishri 5730; Noam, 5.30) have vigorously rejected this criterion, we can see that although the question has not been resolved by our Orthodox colleagues, some of them have Certainly accepted the recommendations of the Harvard Medical School
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