The Mitzvot & Sanctity of Life (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Maimonides Eight Levels of Giving
Maimonides Eight Levels of Giving
Justice is related to bringing about what is right and fair and this is shown through social actions and loving acts
Within Judaism, justice and charity are inseparable
For Jews, this means that charity is an obligation and not a choice:
This is known as Tzedekah
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24)
"He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8)
Jews believe that some forms of charity are better than others:
In the Middle Ages, Moses Maimonides (a Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages), conceived of an eight-level hierarchy of Tzedakah
The highest form is to give a gift, loan or partnership that will result in the recipient becoming self-sufficient instead of living upon others
The eight levels of charity
It is therefore important not just to give charity but that it is given in the correct spirit and with the correct intention
Importance of the Sanctity of Life
Importance of the Sanctity of Life
Jews believe that saving a human life is more important than any Mitzvot
This belief is known as Pikuach nefesh, a concept that represents the belief in the sanctity of life:
This means that Jewish people believe that life is holy and belongs to God, and only he can give it and take it away
Jews believe that they have a duty to make the most of the gift of human life
This means it is also 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
Or food that is not kosher can be eaten in order to survive
There are four exceptions for when mitzvah can never be broken, and they are murder, idolatry, incest and adultery, which are forbidden under any circumstances
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
Also, a person doesn’t have to be dying for a Jew to try to save them, as it can be a preventative act:
For example, 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
Worked Example
Explain two Jewish teachings about the sanctity of human life
Refer to sacred writings or another source of Jewish belief and teaching in your answer
(5 marks)
Answer:
Jews believe that things like murder and euthanasia can never be justified. They believe this because God gave life and only God can take life away. The book of Genesis says that man was made in the image and likeness of God, which means that ending life has even greater significance. (3 marks)
Jews believe that the sanctity of life is so important that in some circumstances mitzvah can be broken to protect life. For example, eating food that is not kosher to save someone who is starving to death. (2 marks)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
This content can be used if there are any direct questions relating to the sanctity of life (see example question) but it can also be used for some questions relating more generally to the Mitzvot.
You may be asked to evaluate the importance and significance of the Mitzvot.
There are many reasons that could be included to underline the importance of the laws that make up the Mitzvot because they are the basis of Jewish beliefs and practices.
Despite their importance, it is possible to argue (as a counter argument) that Pikuach nefesh or the belief in the sanctity of life is more important in some instances than the Mitzvot. Examples of this include:
A person who was ill would not have to fast during Yom Kippur
A doctor could answer an emergency telephone call on Shabbat
If a mother’s life were in danger during pregnancy, abortion would be permitted
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