Hurricane Sandy: Rescuing Those Who Put Themselves in Danger

Is there an obligation to rescue people who knowingly put themselves in life-threatening situations? Does the standard mitzvah of saving lives apply even in such circumstances, or does a person’s willingness to endanger his life absolve others of the responsibility to help him?

Based on the popular book Headlines: Halachic Debates of Current Events by Dovid Lichtenstein, this sourcesheet was adapted for teens by Shaya First. Formatted and edited by Rachel First. Includes the tzuras hadaf for the quoted Gemaras.


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