PART VI
What is a Goses? According to the Rambam, this term applies to an ill person when you hear heavy breathing and spit turning around in the throat. The Mishna in Arachim, Perek 1 explains that the word Goses is derived from the expression Magesa Bekedara or mixing in the pot- which describes the sound heard coming from the throat. The Ramah explains in the Shulchan Aruch that this sound is caused by spit brought up into the throat as a result of a narrowing chest cavity. According to Jewish law, a Goses has the same status as any living, healthy person and must be treated as such.
Even in a situation involving transgression of the Sabbath, we must do everything necessary to save the person. Similarly it is forbidden to take any action that would hasten death for the Goses. Organs may not be removed for transplant. His cheeks should not be tied to prevent his mouth from opening. His body may not be washed with soap or rinsed in any way.
A Goses may not be moved at all. If he becomes soiled towards the end of his illness, we should try to clean him before he aquires the status of Goses. Once he becomes a Goses, however, we may only cover the soiled area and we may not change or clean the linens. If his feet are exposed they should be covered immediately- but they may not be moved. If there is a possibility that he may fall off the bed, we position chairs around the bed to prevent such an occurance. We must be cautious not to take the slightest action that could hasten death- such as removing a pillow.
However, if a person is just at the brink of death and is only being held back by smelling salts, noise, or such, it is permissible to remove the smelling salts or stop the noise. While the status of Goses is maintained, we may not do anything which indicates that death has come such as putting the body in a casket or sayinga eulogy. Though a Goses may not be left alone, those in attendance should becareful not to hover so closely that he is deprived of air and cannot breathe.
Finally, only those who can control themselves and refrain from showing emotions at this time should remain in attendance. An emotional display at this time is severely disturbing to the Goses.
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