save life Flashcards
(31 cards)
When does one violate the prohibition of ‘לא תעמוד על דם רעך’?
When they fail to assist someone in immediate danger, such as drowning, being attacked by a wild animal, or threatened by robbers.
This obligation is derived from Leviticus 19:16 and discussed in Talmud Sanhedrin 73a.
What did Reish Lakish do to save Rabbi Issi?
He risked his life to negotiate with bandits for his release, proving that one may endanger themselves to save another from certain danger.
What was the question posed to the Radbaz?
Whether a Jew must allow a limb to be amputated to save another Jew from being killed by authorities.
What is meant by ‘מידת חסידות’?
An act of piety that goes beyond strict legal requirements to perform a meritorious act.
What is the Radbaz’s ruling regarding sacrificing a limb?
One is not halachically required to sacrifice a limb to save another, as ‘your life takes precedence.’
What does ‘ספק דידיה עדיף מוודאי דחבריה’ mean?
Your uncertain risk outweighs the other’s certain danger.
What are three reasons for the Radbaz’s ruling?
- Self-endangerment is not required
- Medical risks can be fatal
- Torah law aligns with reason
What was the Tzitz Eliezer’s question?
Whether one may donate an organ, like a kidney, to save another’s life.
What are two key questions regarding self-sacrifice?
- Is one permitted to enter possible danger to save another from certain danger?
- Does this apply even when the act certainly causes loss?
What is the difference between entering possible danger and donating an organ?
- Possible danger involves uncertainty and may be permitted as piety
- Organ donation involves certain loss and is not permitted unless required by law.
What does ‘אם על פי דין אין עליו חיוב… לא שייך בזה הסכמת האדם’ mean?
If there is no halachic obligation, personal consent is irrelevant as one does not own their body to permit mutilation.
What is Tzitz Eliezer’s opinion on organ donation?
He prohibits it due to certain harm and defers to the Radbaz when authorities demand it.
What is the Ya’avetz’s ruling on donating a limb?
He permits it as a voluntary mitzvah but questions its application to non-vital organs.
What does the Meshech Chochmah prove from God’s words to Moses?
One need not endanger themselves even to save others.
What was Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi’s ruling about a refugee in a city of refuge?
The refugee may not leave to testify or save others, as their life takes precedence.
What if the public needs the refugee?
They may not leave the city of refuge, even if the public relies on them.
What must one sacrifice for the salvation of Klal Yisrael?
One must override certain mitzvot as a temporary emergency measure for the collective survival of Israel.
What traits seem contradictory but are not?
Complete trust in God’s providence vs. active effort to protect the nation.
Is there a difference between an individual and the public?
Yes: Individual self-endangerment is not obligatory; for Klal Yisrael’s survival, self-sacrifice is required.
What was Rav Waldenberg’s question?
Whether soldiers must risk themselves to rescue a wounded comrade under fire.
What does the Beit Yosef cite?
The Beit Yosef cites the Jerusalem Talmud where Reish Lakish entered possible danger to save Rabbi Issi.
Is this ruling in the Shulchan Aruch?
No, implying it is not the definitive halacha, suggesting debate over self-endangerment obligations.
Why doesn’t the Tzitz Eliezer learn from Reish Lakish?
Reish Lakish’s act may have been optional piety, not a legal precedent.
What is the Radbaz’s apparent opinion?
He would likely forbid risking oneself to save another, calling it ‘foolish piety.’
