Welcome to Judaism: Matters of Life and Death

In this chapter, we explore how Jewish people view the beginning of the universe, the value of human life, and what happens when we die. For Jews, life is a precious gift from God, and almost every rule in the Torah can be set aside to save a life. We will also look at how these religious beliefs compare with scientific theories and non-religious views like Humanism.

1. The Origins and Value of the Universe

Judaism teaches that the universe did not happen by accident. It was intentionally created by the Almighty. The primary source for this is Genesis in the Torah, which describes God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh.

Key Jewish Beliefs:

  • God is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
  • The world is "very good" (Genesis 1), meaning the physical world has spiritual value.
  • Humans were created "in the image of God," giving human life unique dignity.

Scientific vs. Religious Explanations

Many students wonder: Can you believe in the Bible and Science? In Judaism, there are divergent views:

Orthodox Judaism: Some may take the Genesis account literally (the world is roughly 6,000 years old). However, many Orthodox thinkers suggest that the "days" in Genesis represent long eras, not 24-hour periods.

Reform Judaism: These Jews often view the creation story as symbolic or a metaphor. They fully accept scientific theories like the Big Bang and Evolution, seeing them as the mechanisms God used to create the world.

Non-Religious Views: Atheists and Humanists rely on scientific evidence alone. They argue the universe began via the Big Bang and life developed through natural selection, without the need for a divine Creator.

Quick Review: Judaism teaches the world is a gift from God. While views on the process of creation differ, all Jews believe the world has purpose.

2. The Sanctity of Life and Pikuach Nefesh

The Sanctity of Life is the belief that life is holy because it belongs to God. In Judaism, this is expressed through the vital principle of Pikuach Nefesh (the obligation to save a life).

Why is life sacred?

  • Genesis 1:27 states humans are made in God's image.
  • The Ten Commandments (Decalogue) state, "Do not murder."
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin) teaches that saving one life is like saving the whole world.

Pikuach Nefesh in Action

The law of Pikuach Nefesh is so important that it overrides almost every other Mitzvah (commandment). For example:

  • A Jew can break the Shabbat (Sabbath) to drive someone to the hospital.
  • A person can eat non-kosher food if it is the only way to avoid starvation.
  • Doctors are encouraged to use their skills to heal, as they are seen as partners with God in preserving life.

Did you know? In the Talmud (Yoma 85b), it is argued that we should break one Shabbat to save a person so that they may live to keep many more Shabbats in the future!

3. Environmental Issues and Animals

Because the world belongs to God, Jews believe they are stewards (caretakers) of the Earth. This is known as Tikkun Olam (healing/repairing the world).

Environmental Teachings:

  • Bal Tashchit: A commandment from the Torah not to unnecessarily destroy anything in the natural world.
  • The Earth is the Lord's: Psalm 24 reminds Jews that they don't "own" the planet; they are looking after it for God.

Use of Animals:

  • Food: Jews are allowed to eat animals, provided they are Kosher and slaughtered humanely (Shechita).
  • Animal Experimentation: Most Jews allow medical testing on animals if it will save human lives (Sanctity of Life), but they strictly forbid "Tza’ar ba’alei chayim" (unnecessary suffering to living creatures).
  • Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals."

4. Abortion: Jewish Perspectives

Abortion is a sensitive topic in Judaism. Unlike some other religions, Judaism does not traditionally view the fetus as a full "person" until birth. However, because life is sacred, abortion is not "on demand."

Key Principles:

  • The Mother’s Life: If the pregnancy threatens the mother’s physical or mental health, the mother’s life takes priority. The fetus is seen as a "pursuer" (rodef) of the mother's life.
  • Orthodox Views: Generally very strict. Abortion is only permitted for serious medical reasons.
  • Reform Views: May allow abortion for a wider range of reasons, such as the mother's social or psychological well-being, though it is still seen as a serious decision.

Non-Religious View: Many Humanists argue for a "pro-choice" stance, focusing on the woman's right to bodily autonomy and the "quality of life" for both the mother and the potential child.

5. Life After Death

While Judaism focuses mostly on life in this world, there are clear teachings about what happens next. This is called Eschatology.

Jewish Beliefs:

  • Olam Ha-Ba: "The World to Come." A spiritual afterlife where the righteous are rewarded.
  • Resurrection: Maimonides (a famous Jewish scholar) included the belief in the resurrection of the dead as one of his 13 Principles of Faith.
  • Judgement: Many Jews believe God will judge how they lived their life according to the Mitzvot.

Non-Religious Arguments Against Life After Death:

  • Atheists argue there is no scientific evidence for a soul or an afterlife.
  • They suggest that the mind is simply a function of the brain; when the brain dies, the person ceases to exist.
  • Jewish response: Faith is based on the Torah and the authority of the Tenakh, which promises that God has a plan beyond physical death.

6. Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care

Euthanasia (assisted dying) is generally forbidden in Judaism because of the Sanctity of Life. Only God has the right to give and take life.

Jewish Teachings:

  • Ten Commandments: "Do not murder."
  • Ecclesiastes: "There is a time to be born and a time to die."
  • Active Euthanasia: Taking a direct action to end a life is strictly forbidden.
  • Passive Euthanasia/End-of-Life Care: Some rabbis allow for the withdrawal of treatment that is only prolonging a painful death, allowing nature to take its course. This is because "hindering the departure of the soul" is not required.
  • Hospice Care: Jews strongly support palliative care, which focuses on making a dying person comfortable and dignified without ending their life prematurely.

Takeaway: For a Jew, every second of life is infinitely valuable. Even if someone is very ill, their life still has the "image of God" within it.

Exam Tip: Command Words

When you sit your 1RB0 paper, remember how to answer each question type:

  • (a) State/Outline (3 marks): Give three simple facts. "State three Jewish beliefs about the afterlife."
  • (b) Explain (4 marks): Give two reasons and develop them. "Explain two reasons why Pikuach Nefesh is important."
  • (c) Explain with a Source (5 marks): Same as (b), but you must refer to the Tenakh, Talmud, or Maimonides. "Explain Jewish teachings about stewardship. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority."
  • (d) Evaluate (12 marks): This is the big essay! You must give arguments for and against a statement, use religious evidence, and reach a justified conclusion.

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just remember: focus on the Sanctity of Life and Pikuach Nefesh—they are the keys to almost every answer in this chapter.