Tikkun Olam: BJ Blood Drive

"One who saves a single life is considered as though s/he saved an entire world. (Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:9, 23a)

"For the blood is the life..." (DEUT. 12: 23)

 

Goal To Get Your Blood... No seriously, twice a year we at BJ have the opportunity to give a gift, which is one of life and for which there is no price tag. It is the great equalizer of giving. Objectives Once in the Fall and once in the Spring, BJ sponsors a Blood Drive in the Sanctuary. As the need for blood has risen and the criteria for donation have become more stringent, we wish to do our part to ensure that the blood supply remains viable. Often the stress of anticipated surgery is compounded by the stress of unavailability of blood for potential or necessary transfusion. Join Us The next Drive will be on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 between 4 and 9pm in the 88th Street Sanctuary. Preparation You must bring a photo ID with you to the blood drive. Be sure to eat at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. If you tend to have, low hemoglobin (iron) levels or have iron-deficiency anemia, click here to learn about how you could prepare to donate blood. Minimum Time between Donations: Many in the community donate a number of times, in different locales throughout the year. Whole blood donors can donate every 56 days or up to six times a year. Restrictions There are certain medical and travel variables, which restrict the ability to give Blood. Click here for information on the New York Blood Center's website about who can donate. Click here for information on temporary conditions that prevent people from donating blood. Testimonials "I started donating while I was in college because one of my uncles needed blood. He was so appreciative that ever since whenever I donate it feels personal even though I don’t know who is actually receiving my donation. I know people are often reluctant to give because they are afraid and think it will be painful or unpleasant but it really isn’t any of those things. It is really easy and is a small thing each of us can do to be a big help to somebody else." — Harriet Abraham "First! It does not hurt. Yes, there is always a bit of apprehension at the start. However, as the process ends about ½ hour later there is a magnificent feeling of exhilaration and satisfaction. The whole process reminds me a bit of Yom Kippur. As we prepare for Kol Nidre, there is always a sense of anticipation. As Neila arrives, there is that same sense of exhilaration and satisfaction. Donating blood also reminds me of Parshat Shequalim. The Torah states that the rich and poor give the same amount. So to with blood, all donors give the same amount. While Shequalim refers only to males, blood drives are gender neutral and open to every health individual 17 years and older. The ambience of the 88th street sanctuary, where the drive takes place, adds even more meaning to fulfilling this extraordinary Mitzvah. Another aspect of giving blood at BJ is that many of the donors return for each semi-annual drive. This has enabled many of us to develop a special camaraderie with each other." — Frederic S. Goldstein Gail Ressler’s Birthday Challenge: Celebrate with her by giving blood! “Last year, when the BJ Blood Drive fell on my birthday, it seemed a fitting way to gather with friends and celebrate life. This year, I hope to celebrate even more with friends old and new. Please join me to donate blood and give the gift of life in honor of my birthday! I’ll be providing some special treats in appreciation. Thank you!”  — Gail Ressler

Contact Our Co-Chairs: Trudi Levine: trudil531@aol.com Sharon Messitte: shasiem@aol.com