Covenant and mitzvot in JudaismPikuach Nefesh

Pikuach nefesh is the concept that saving a human life is more important than any mitzvot. It is belief in the sanctity of life. 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’s life if they can, even if doing so means that another mitzvah will be broken. For example, a doctor can break the Sabbath to save a person’s life, and food that is not kosher 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’s natural death. Any act of euthanasia or murder is not allowed. This is made clear in the Sanhedrin:

Jews believe that they have a duty to make the most of the gift of human life.

A person doesn’t 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’s 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.