Pikuach Nefesh in Judaism

This section explains Pikuach Nefesh in Judaism. Pikuach nefesh is a fundamental concept in Judaism, which asserts that the preservation of human life takes precedence over all other commandments (mitzvot). It is rooted in the belief in the sanctity of life, meaning that life is sacred and belongs to God. According to Jewish teachings, only God has the authority to grant life and to take it away. Therefore, the obligation to preserve life is a central duty for all Jews, emphasising the sanctity and inviolability of human existence.

For Jews, this means that saving a life is of paramount importance, even if it requires the violation of other religious laws. For instance, a doctor is permitted to break the Sabbath if doing so is necessary to save a life. Similarly, a person may consume non-kosher food if it is required for survival, as the act of preserving life overrides dietary restrictions.

This belief in the sanctity of life also implies that no actions should be taken to hasten a person’s natural death. Acts such as euthanasia or murder are strictly prohibited within Judaism. This principle is clearly articulated in the Jewish text Sanhedrin, which states:

"He who destroys one soul of a human being, the scripture considers him as if he should destroy a whole world."
— Sanhedrin 4:5

The passage reinforces the idea that each individual life is immeasurably valuable, and any attempt to end it is a grievous violation.

Jews are encouraged to value and make the most of the gift of life. It is not necessary for someone to be at the point of death for efforts to be made to save them. Preventative measures to safeguard life are also considered an important part of pikuach nefesh. For example, organ donation is not only permissible but is encouraged, as it can be a means of saving another person's life.

Many Jews choose careers that allow them to contribute directly to the preservation and enhancement of life. Professions such as healthcare workers, aid workers, and emergency services personnel, including police officers and firefighters, are seen as a fulfilment of the pikuach nefesh duty, as these roles focus on saving lives, whether human or animal.

In essence, pikuach nefesh highlights the profound responsibility that Jews bear in protecting and nurturing life, placing the sanctity of human existence at the heart of Jewish ethical teachings.