The bystander’s challenge | עמוד דיון
תקציר
עמדות פתיחה
סיכום ביניים
In Jewish law, there is a biblical obligation to save lives.
The Biblical verse "You may not stand idly by your neighbours blood"
(Leviticus 19:15) is understood by the Talmud to be an obligation to save people from danger (Sanhedrin 73a).
However, it is necessary to define the parameters of this obligation. Does the bystander have to endanger himself to save the victim? Does the bystander have to spend money to save the victim's life?
הדיון המורחב
Ben Petura's logic comes from the notion that no one life is more valuable nor important than another human being's life. Therefore, one cannot choose between which life to save, and both people should treat each other with mutual respect. In upholding the morality of "ve'ahavta lere'echa camocha," both humans in this situation are acting in a just way; they are treating each other the way they would treat themselves.
In the Torah it states that if you see your fellow's ox fallen or lost, you must not ignore it. Even more so, if it is lost, you must return it. Returning the ox to the owner is an act that goes above and beyond. One could simply tell the owner that the ox is lost, after all this action is better than ignoring the problem. However, the example uses the most noble possible action: returning the ox. Therefore, in the case with the movie star it is important that the PA does as much as he possibly can in order to aid his fellow (the makeup artist).
I agree with your statement and response but my only question is when in a situation where you have to choose which person to choose, what criteria do you use?
Leah Beight
I agree with your statement and response but my only question is when in a situation where you have to choose which person to choose, what criteria do you use?
Alana Kessler
Right but when it becomes your own life for another's does/should the logic change?3
Alana Kessler
Right but when it becomes your own life for another's does/should the logic change?3