Sanctity of Life

Question 1

What is the pikuach nefesh?

Answer 1

The principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides all other religious obligations

Question 2

What is a SOWAA that supports the pikuach nefesh?

Answer 2

“every danger to human life suspends the sabbath.”

Question 3

Why is human life holy for Jews?

Answer 3

1. Judaism teaches that life is scared and is a gift from God. It follows that as God is the author of life and that life must be preserved.
2. Jewish people believe that God is in control of his creation and that whatever comes to life or dies is caused to do so by God.
3. Humans have to respect human life. It is up to God when life will begin or end.

Question 4

What is a SOWAA to support that it is up to God to decide when life ends and begins?

Answer 4

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.”

Question 5

What are some different understandings of the pikuach nefesh is applied by Jews?

Answer 5

1. Abortion: some Jews believe that abortion can never be allowed due to the sanctity of life, but pikuach nefesh allows it if the mother’s life is at risk.
2. Contraception: Orthodox Jews do not allow the use of condoms because the Torah says that the male seed is sacred. But the Jewish Aids Trust says that it can be used to stop the spread of HIV.
3. Organ transplant: mitzvot says that dead bodies cannot be interfered with, but they can be to save the life of someone