October 11, 2026
Today, I give blood in memory of my father as a way to honor his legacy. I remember, as a child, joining my dad when he went to donate blood, and I remember with pride the first time, when I was 16, that we were able to donate together. He was a doctor, and he patiently explained to me (several times) the different blood types and how important it was for us to donate with ours.
“It’s a way that any person can save a life,” he told me, and, “Not everyone is able to donate, but those who can should.” He was no stranger to saving lives in his profession, but he still donated as often as he was able, and by the end of his life, he had donated well over 10 gallons of blood.
My father’s words have stuck with me, and they have been joined by a chorus of voices from our tradition. Leviticus 19:16 teaches, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your fellow,” reminding us that if we can save a life, we must do so. Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 adds, “Whoever saves one life… is considered as if he saved the entire world.” In the Talmud, we’re taught that pikuach nefesh, saving a life—or even the potential to save a life—is a powerful obligation, even if we must violate Shabbat to do so (Yoma 84b–85b).
Giving blood is a value that, for me, lives at the nexus of memory, religion, and hope. When I give, I honor the values my father bestowed, personally and religiously, and I give someone else the gift of tomorrow.
We hope you will join us in giving at our Red Cross Blood Drive at Congregation Beth Tikvah on Tuesday, October 20, from 12:00–6:00 p.m. You can register in advance or simply walk in that day.
To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code bethtikvah. Questions can be directed to Brotherhood member Art Flesch at artflesch@hotmail.com.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Karen Martin