7.5 - Pikuach Nefesh = Sanctity of Life

Life is holy and belongs to God
Man is made in Gods image
What do Jews believe about the value of ones life?
1. The Talmud says that Adam was created alone to teach us the significance of each individual
2. "Anyone who destroys a human life is considered as if he had destroyed an entire world"
"And a man - if he strikes mortal any human life, he shall be put to death" LEVITICUS
1. Anyone who kills should be put to death themselves
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' EXODUS
1. You should revenge and if someone does something bad then something bad should happen to them
If someone does something wrong then they should ask for forgiveness
Human life is holy and should be valued
Pikuach Nefesh Today
1. Breaking Shabbat
  1. Shabbat laws can be broken to save a humans life as long as their life isnt put at risk
2. Organ donation
  1. It is allowed in Judasiam if it will save someones life
  2. It is not allowed if it can risk that persons life
3. Abortion
  1. It is allowed if it saves the life of the mother or for mental health reasons
  2. Orthodox Jews say that it can only be performed if it saves the life of the mother or for her mental health
  3. Reform / Liberal allow abortion for other reasons like social or medical issues
4. Euthanasia
  1. Jews are not allowed to do anything that speeds up death because it is the same as murder
  2. Euthanasia, assisted suiside and suicide is not allowed because human life is holy and cannot be destroyed

Resource summary

	Created by Ola J about 7 years ago