Pikuach Nefesh
pikuach nefeshThe saving of a life, which overrides almost any other religious consideration. is the concept that saving a human life is more important than any mitzvotCommandments or laws in Judaism.. It is belief in the sanctity of lifeThe concept that life is sacred and therefore is to be respected and protected.. Life is holy and belongs to God, which means that only he can give it and only he can take it. Pikuach nefesh is an obligation for all Jews.
For Jews this means that they have a duty to save a person鈥檚 life if they can, even if doing so means that another mitzvahThe singular form of the word 鈥榤itzvot鈥 (commandments or laws in Judaism). will be broken. For example, a doctor can break the SabbathThe seventh day of the week and a day of rest for Jews (Shabbat is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). Sunday is the day of rest for Christians. to save a person鈥檚 life, and food that is not kosherThe word means fit or proper. Foods permitted by and prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. can be eaten in order to survive.
This idea of sanctity of life means that no actions should be taken to speed up a person鈥檚 natural death. Any act of euthanasiaThe deliberate ending of someone鈥檚 life for compassionate reasons. or murder is not allowed. This is made clear in the SanhedrinThe Jewish supreme court and legislative body during the Roman period. Also the name given to a section of the Talmud.:
Jews believe that they have a duty to make the most of the gift of human life.
A person doesn鈥檛 have to be dying for a Jew to try to save them - this can be a preventative act. Organ donation is allowed as it could save someone鈥檚 life.
Many Jews aim to have a career where they can help in the saving of life, whether it be human or animal. Careers such as health worker, aid worker, and police or fire officer all help towards pikuach nefesh.
Question
What do Jews believe they have a duty to do?
Save a person鈥檚 life whenever they can.