Interfaith Panel Explores Faith and Organ Donation
Nevada Donor Network hosted a Gift of Life panel at Temple Sinai in Reno with faith leaders and donation professionals.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Judaism
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Nevada Donor Network partnered with the Nevada Interfaith Association and Temple Sinai to host an interfaith panel on organ, eye and tissue donation, faith and grief. The panel brought together faith leaders and donation professionals to discuss perspectives from different faith traditions.
Why it matters
The discussion addresses how religious beliefs shape decisions about donation, a question families often face during grief. Bringing faith leaders and donation professionals together in Reno offers local residents a shared forum for those considerations.
Nevada Donor Network is one of 55 organ procurement organizations in the United States and was established in 1987. The panel was a partnership with the Nevada Interfaith Association and Temple Sinai, and no outcomes were reported.
The players
Nevada Donor Network
A federally designated 501(c)(3) organ procurement organization founded in 1987 that coordinates organ, eye and tissue donation in Nevada.
Temple Sinai
A Reno synagogue that hosted the interfaith panel and whose rabbi, Benjamin Zober, took part in the discussion.
Nevada Interfaith Association
A partner organization that co-hosted the panel with Nevada Donor Network and Temple Sinai.
The details
Panelists included Rabbi Benjamin Zober of Temple Sinai, Reverend Matthew Fisher of Reno Buddhist Center, and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn of Great Basin Chaplain Corps and Circle of Life Hospice. Nevada Donor Network representatives Adriana Connelly, Shahira Yanes and Shirley Lam participated in the event.
Timeline
1987: Nevada Donor Network was established.
November 4, 2026: The interfaith panel was held at Temple Sinai in Reno.
Roadmap
Nevada Donor Network is one of 55 federally designated organ procurement organizations in the United States. This Reno panel reflects the broader effort by such organizations to engage faith communities on donation questions.
Reno residents interested in donation can contact Nevada Donor Network for information about registering as donors. The panel offered a local setting for those with religious questions about organ, eye and tissue donation.
The takeaway
Religious perspectives on donation can be explored with faith leaders and donation professionals before a decision is needed. Families and individuals considering donation may find it useful to discuss their beliefs in advance.
Further reading
For more on how faith traditions view donation, explore Judaism coverage on Wisevoter.
More information
Learn more about donation options through the Nevada Donor Network organ donation information site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nevada Business Magazine.
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