Maimonides places great emphasis on the sanctity of human life. In his writings, he consistently underscores the importance of preserving life and the moral obligations each person carries to uphold this value. Life is a divine gift, and therefore, taking life unjustly is considered one of the gravest sins.

“The preservation of life is paramount, and one must go to great lengths to save a life, even if it means temporarily suspending certain commandments.”
(Ch. 2, V. 12)

The duty to preserve life extends beyond oneself. Maimonides teaches that everyone bears responsibility for the lives of others. This is reflected in the Jewish concept of pikuach nefesh—the principle that saving a life overrides almost all other religious duties.

Modern Reflections on the Sanctity of Life

In today’s world, the value of human life remains at the core of moral discussions, from debates on euthanasia to human rights. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik elaborates on this in his writings, where he explains the inherent dignity of every human being as stemming from their divine creation.

“Every human being, created in the image of God, possesses an intrinsic value. This is the foundation of our moral responsibilities.”
(Soloveitchik, Halakhic Man, p. 78)

For Noahides, this means that they, too, are called to uphold the sanctity of life. This is not just a Jewish principle but a universal one, rooted in the shared values of humanity.

Responsibility Toward Others

Maimonides expands the idea of responsibility beyond individual preservation. He emphasizes that we are morally responsible for the welfare of others. This means taking action when others are in danger and contributing to the collective well-being of society.

Rabbi Oury Cherki comments:
“The moral responsibility to safeguard life is not confined to one’s immediate environment. It extends to all of humanity, reflecting the global reach of the Torah’s values.”
(Cherki, Ethical Teachings, p. 145)

This broad sense of responsibility is a cornerstone of ethical monotheism, urging Noahides to consider their role in creating a just and compassionate world.

Quotations and Commentaries

Maimonides on the Sanctity of Life:
“Life is a sacred gift from God, and nothing is of greater importance than preserving it. When faced with the choice between life and fulfilling a commandment, life takes precedence.”
(Ch. 2, V. 14)