Jewish motorists?? Yom Kippur?? What do the Sages say about this?
IFAIK modern Orthodox would not have a problem driving a pregnant woman in labor to a hospital, or telephoning for an ambulance for her, on a holiday or sabbath. Actions otherwise forbidden would be allowed if the likely result would be to save a life.
Ritchie,
If you re-read the article, you will note that the woman was in labor. The Torah teaches us that life is sacred, and, as a result, the preservation of life is commanded of us, and is therefore more important than any holiday or Shabbat.
That is why the Israeli army is the most cautious army in the world, and drops flyers from helicopters warning the arabs they need to leave an area, and often compromises their own soldiers in the process of being so careful.
It is also why Jewish doctors save the lives of arab children in Israeli hospitals, free of charge, if the parents cannot pay. It is also why we are commanded to feed our animals when we rise, before we feed ourselves. Only HaShem creates life, therefore, life is sacred. It is not for humans to abuse, neglect, or jeopardize. In a situation where one takes a life, it cannot be done without good reason.
Although women have delivered at home with midwives, or in safe places, throughout the ages, the mortality rate for both mother and newborn was exceptionally high. Hospitals and modern medical care have reduced the mortality rate, substantially.
Therefore, taking one’s wife, or any other woman in labor to a hospital, or any other medical emergency, is not in breach of Halacha ( Jewish Law). You are in fact, doing exactly what the Torah teaches a Jew to do.
How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! - Mat 24:19
In Israel the % of practicing Jews is 19%.
“Jewish motorists?? Yom Kippur?? What do the Sages say about this?”
That the preservation of life is among the greatest of mitzvah, and trumps most others.
Here, it was two lives: a woman a child.
“Jewish motorists?? Yom Kippur?? What do the Sages say about this?”
That the preservation of life is among the greatest of mitzvah, and trumps most others.
Here, it was two lives: a woman a child.
“Jewish motorists?? Yom Kippur?? What do the Sages say about this?”
That the preservation of life is among the greatest of mitzvah, and trumps most others.
Here, it was two lives: a woman a child.