Judaism: The Sanctity of Life Flashcards
1
Q
What is the sanctity of life?
A
- Life is sacred and is a gift from God
- God is the author of life
- Life must be valued and preserved
2
Q
What do Jews believe?
A
- God is in control of his creation
- Whatever comes to life or dies is caused by God
- Humans have to respect all of human life
- The sacredness and importance is shown in the Pikuach Nefesh
3
Q
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
A
- Where all Sabbath rules must be suspended to safeguard the health of an individual
- Jews are required to disregard a law that conflicts with life or health
- Permissible to break the Yom Kippur fast the Kashrut (food laws) etc.
4
Q
When can the Sabbath laws be broken?
A
- The Talmud contains several instances where the laws can be broken to save the life of another
- Abortion
- Contraception
- Transplant surgery
5
Q
Why abortion?
A
If the mothers life is at risk, then it should be allowed
6
Q
Why contraception?
A
- Orthodox Jews do not allow the use of condoms because the Torah teaches that the male seed is sacred
- Jewish Aids Trust promotes the use of condoms to prevent HIV transmission
- Saves the lives of people infected with HIV
7
Q
Why transplant surgery?
A
-Dead bodies should not be interfered with but this rule can be broken to transplant and organ from a dead person to save the life of a living person
8
Q
Why else is Pikuach Nefesh important?
A
-For Jews living in the complex world of today, it decided when and wear the mitzvoth take priority
