Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky

Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me a Match – Part II

Years ago, I wrote an article with the same title.  Our Past President, Elliott Jacobson, was then in need of a kidney transplant, and he turned to the congregation he loved and led to ask for help.  Lo and beyond, a match was found!  In the end, Elliott received the “gift of life” from another donor, but knowing that fellow congregants were ready, willing, and able to provide a healthy kidney for him, reinforced his faith in miracles and in the strength of our Holy Blossom Temple community.  Thank God, Elliott is now healthy and well and living life to its fullest.  It was my great honour to stand with him and Judy under the chuppah where Elliott kvelled over his daughter, Rachel’s, wedding.

I write to you now with prayers for another miracle match.  Miriam Tabak grew up at Holy Blossom.  Her parents, Enrique and Batia, were welcomed into the congregation by Rabbi Plaut, forty-three years ago.

Here is Miriam’s story, in her own words.

Dear Holy Blossom,

This is one of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to write. Many of you know that I’ve been dealing with liver disease for some time, and recently I learned that I need a liver transplant to survive and get my health back.

The good news is that there’s hope; a transplant is possible. The liver is an incredible organ that can regenerate, meaning a healthy person can safely donate a portion of their liver, and within a few months, both livers grow back to full size. 

Three generations celebrate life at Holy Blossom Temple

I am currently on the deceased donor transplant list, but the wait can take up to a year or more. My medical team has advised that finding a living donor would reduce the risks and health complications that come with waiting as my liver disease progresses.

I’m sharing this because I need help finding someone who might be willing to be that living donor. I know this is an extraordinary thing to ask, and I don’t take it lightly. My medical team will guide anyone through a confidential screening process to see if they’re a match, and all medical costs are fully covered.

To be a potential donor, you need to:

• Be between 18 and 60 years old
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have blood type O (either O+ or O–)

If you want to learn more, you can contact the Transplant Clinic at the Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network by calling 416-340-4800 ext. 6581 or write to [email protected] 

Even if you can’t donate, you can still help by sharing this message, keeping me in your thoughts, or just sending love and strength. I truly believe that hope grows when it’s shared.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read this and for all the kindness, support, and love you’ve already shown me.

With all my gratitude and love,
Miriam

In addition to the local contact Miriam provides above, another resource is Renewal, an incredible Jewish organization dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation and enabling Jews to join the global registry.  Later this winter, Elliott Jacobson will be “paying it forward” by hosting a Renewal event at Holy Blossom. Even though Renewal’s liver donation program is only through the US, the resources here are informative and inspirational.  https://www.renewal.org/renewal-liver  (NB:  Renewal’s kidney donation program does extend to include Canada.)

We are keeping Miriam Ilana bat Tzvi u’Vatya in our daily prayers at Holy Blossom.  I urge you to do the same, and if you’d like to gather more information about what is involved in being tested for an anonymous match, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic, because time is of the essence for Miriam.  There is no obligation to advance to donation, even if you match.  However, if you do decide to become a living organ donor, you will be fulfilling the highest mitzvah of all, Pikuach Nefesh, saving a life.