Activities Prohibited On Shabbat - Saving of Human Life

Saving of Human Life

For more details on this topic, see pikuach nefesh.

In the event that a human life is in danger, a Jew is not only allowed, but required, to violate any Shabbat law that stands in the way of saving that person. The concept of life being in danger is interpreted broadly: for example, it is mandated that one violate Shabbat to take a woman in active labor to a hospital.

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Famous quotes containing the words saving, human and/or life:

    A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation.
    Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

    Though they are of monstrous shape, yet note
    Their manners are more gentle, kind, than of
    Our human generation you shall find
    Many, nay, almost any.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    Make me thy Loome: thy Grace the warfe therein,
    My duties Woofe, and let thy word winde Quills.
    The shuttle shoot. Cut off the ends my sins.
    Thy Ordinances make my fulling mills,
    My Life thy Web: and cloath me all my dayes
    With this Gold-web of Glory to thy praise.
    Edward Taylor (1645–1729)