Where Bodies Are Bought
Ariella Lipetz
Issue date: 11/25/09 Section: Opinions
Beyond the moral challenges posed by illegal attainment of the bodies, the exhibit also raises serious halakhic questions concerning the display of the human body in such a way. This debate dates back to the early twentieth century when the query regarding the use of cadavers for science research was posed. Rav Kook took a strong stance, asserting that, since there is an obligation to bury the dead, it is forbidden to benefit from the dead (Shut Da'at Cohein #199). However, Rav Kook did note that gentile cadavers can be used, since the prohibiton of nivul, the unnecessary mutilation of a dead body, only applies to Jewish bodies. On the other hand, Rabbi Benzion Uziel, the Sefardi Chief Rabbi alongside Rav Kook at the time, claimed that Jewish and Gentile cadavers are on the same level and that if the bodies are treated respectfully, then they may be used.
"Treated respectfully," according to Rabbi She'ar-Yashuv Cohen, current Chief Rabbi of Haifa, is not something that the bodies exhibit exemplifies. On the contrary, he maintains that the exhibit displays no dignity for the dead, which negates the fundamental principle in Judaism that all people are created in the image of G-d. This notion was the catalyst for a huge boycott of the exhibit when it premiered in Israel, where it remained open only for a short while thereafter.
Premier Exhibition firmly believes that their exhibition provides visitors with "definite proof that the body is a walking, living work of art." Most visitors would likely agree with this statement. However, what is the likelihood that the Chinese prisoners whose bodies are so gruesomely displayed would also agree? Not very high. "Bodies: the Exhibition" has accumulated much profit and popularity, but at the expense of lawsuits, ethical debates, and insult to various religions. Ethical and religious ramifications should be a concern to potential visitors, and a well thought-out judgment call should be made before supporting it. For those concerned with legally and halakhically protecting the sanctity of the human body, morally opposing "Bodies: the Exhibition" is a no brainer. Literally.
"Treated respectfully," according to Rabbi She'ar-Yashuv Cohen, current Chief Rabbi of Haifa, is not something that the bodies exhibit exemplifies. On the contrary, he maintains that the exhibit displays no dignity for the dead, which negates the fundamental principle in Judaism that all people are created in the image of G-d. This notion was the catalyst for a huge boycott of the exhibit when it premiered in Israel, where it remained open only for a short while thereafter.
Premier Exhibition firmly believes that their exhibition provides visitors with "definite proof that the body is a walking, living work of art." Most visitors would likely agree with this statement. However, what is the likelihood that the Chinese prisoners whose bodies are so gruesomely displayed would also agree? Not very high. "Bodies: the Exhibition" has accumulated much profit and popularity, but at the expense of lawsuits, ethical debates, and insult to various religions. Ethical and religious ramifications should be a concern to potential visitors, and a well thought-out judgment call should be made before supporting it. For those concerned with legally and halakhically protecting the sanctity of the human body, morally opposing "Bodies: the Exhibition" is a no brainer. Literally.
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