What is Pikuach Nefesh?
Pikuach Nefesh literally means “saving a life.” In halacha (Jewish law), preserving human life—our own or someone else’s—takes precedence over nearly every mitzvah. If a life is in danger, we must do whatever it takes to save that person, even if it means violating Shabbat or eating on Yom Kippur. The Gemara teaches that rescuing someone in peril is not only allowed but required: “Do not stand idly by your neighbor’s blood” (Leviticus 19:16).
Why does it override commandments?
Our Sages explain that it is better to “desecrate one Shabbat so a person may observe many Shabbatot.” Sacrificing one day’s rest ensures a lifetime of mitzvah-keeping. The Talmud debates sources for this rule and settles on Shmuel’s teaching from Leviticus 18:5: “Keep My statutes… and live by them,” emphasizing that the purpose of the commandments is to grant life, not bring death.
An Important Exception
There are three sins for which one must give up their life rather than transgress: idolatry, forbidden sexual relations, and murder. Likewise, if forced to sin publicly in front of ten Jews—or under religious persecution—even to save one’s own life, we must refuse. In communal danger, like defending against an enemy attack, individuals are commanded to risk their lives for the public good.
Pikuach Nefesh reminds us that every life is infinitely precious. When we honor this principle, we fulfill the deepest purpose of the Torah: to choose life, compassion, and hope above all.
