SECTION 1 JUDAISM- TOPIC 2.1.6 SANCTITY OF LIFE

Question 1

The nature and importance of pikuach nefesh

Answer 1

life is sacred – life is a gift from God
follows that as God is the author of life, life itself is holy and must be valued and preserved.

Question 2

SOWAA FOR ONLY GOD BEING ABLE TO TAKE AND GIVE LIFE

Answer 2

“I put to death, and I bring to life.”

Question 3

What should a jew do if it is sabbath day?

Answer 3

When life is involved, all Sabbath laws may be suspended to safeguard the health of the individual. A Jew is not merely permitted but is actually
required to disregard a law that conflicts with life or health.

Question 4

What is Pikkauch nefesh based on ?

Answer 4

pikuach nefesh is based on the sanctity of life and
shows how important the belief in sanctity of life is to Judaism.

Question 5

Why the concept of pikuach nefesh is important for Jews today?

Answer 5

today Pikuach nefesh is particularly important in areas of medical ethics such as:

Abortion
-abortion can never be allowed because of the belief in the sanctity of life
-if the mother’s life is at risk, then it should be allowed.

Contraception
-Orthodox Judaism does 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 as mistzah can be broken to save lives

Transplant surgery
-not be allowed because there is a mitzvah
which says dead bodies must not be interfered with
-mitzvah can be broken to transplant on organ from a
dead person to save the life of a living person.