Preserving Life in Torah Law: When Risk Is Required

'VeChai Bahem': You Shall Live and not Die!

In Jewish law (halachah), safeguarding life is of utmost importance. The Torah explicitly forbids us to place ourselves in harm's way, stressing that the mitzvot are in order that we should "chai bahem--live by them" and not die by them. The mitzvah of "Venishmarten me'od lenafshoteichem--And you shall greatly protect your lives" is a guiding principle in halachah.

However, some situations present complexities that seem to challenge this directive. Below, we explore the Torah's perspective, along with examples of scenarios where potential risks are weighed against the mitzvah of saving a life.

Obligation to Save Others

The Torah states, "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor," emphasizing the duty to intervene if someone is in danger. If a person is at risk of drowning or is being attacked, it is a halachic requirement to help, regardless of the victim's gender. Failure to act when able to help is a transgression.

While we are forbidden to seek out danger (be it physical or spiritual) by working in a precarious environment — such as a lifeguard position at a mixed-gender beach — stepping in to save someone who is in immediate danger is non-negotiable.

Kidney Donation: A Mitzvah with Considered Risk

Donating a kidney to a patient in critical need is permissible and actually praiseworthy, provided expert medical guidance assures minimal risk to the donor. Halachah supports this life-saving act, given modern surgical success rates. In these cases, donating aligns with the command to not "stand idly by," embodying the principle, "Whoever saves a single life from Israel, it is as if they have saved an entire world."

Blood and Organ Donations from Non-Jews

In life-threatening situations, Jewish patients may accept blood or kidney donations from non-Jews, even though the nature of their blood and organs is influenced by the fact that they eat non-kosher food. The priority remains saving a life rather than seeking a match strictly based on religious observance.

However, in cases where there is no urgency, it is preferable to wait for a blood transfusion from a Torah-observant Jew.

Plastic Surgery: Weighing Risks and Benefits

For Women

Single or married women seeking cosmetic enhancement for aesthetic reasons may undergo plastic surgery. This is permissible according to halachah, provided it is performed by highly skilled surgeons to mitigate risk. In such cases, plastic surgery is seen as a means to and end which is a mitzvah: either gettting married, or becoming more attractive for one's husband.

For Men

Men are permitted to undergo plastic surgery to address disfigurement that causes embarrassment. Again, the procedure should only be conducted by proficient surgeons. Halachah accommodates personal dignity, taking into account the emotional impact of scars or defects.