7.6 The Sanctity Of Life

Question 1

What is Pikuash Nefesh?

Answer 1

Primacy of life
Holy, special, sacred

Question 2

Why many Sabbath laws be suspended?

Answer 2

Human life is special and the preservation of it overrides virtually any other religious law
—> laws may be suspended to safeguard the healthy of the individual

Question 3

Quote for the sanctity of life

Answer 3

“You shall not stand aside while your fellow’s blood is shed” Leviticus

Question 4

Almost any Jewish law can be broken to save a Jewish life except for …?

Answer 4

Murder
Incest
Idolatry
Adultery

Question 5

Why is the principles of Pikuach Nefesh so important to Jews?

Answer 5

1) influences how Jews approach the world and deciding when and where the mitzvot take priority
2) abortion - some Jews believe it can’t be allowed because of the sanctities of life, but Pikuach Nefesh means the mothers life is a priority
3) contraception
Orthodox Jews: don’t allow condoms (Torah teaches that male seed is sacred)
—> but the Jewish Aids Trust promotes the use of them to prevent HIV transmission
4) transplant surgery isn’t allowed
- mitzvah which says dead bodies must not be interfered with, but Pikuach Nefesh means that this mitzvah can be broken to save a life