Responsa do Przysłów 3:40
Teshuvot HaRadbaz Volume 3
Response: Sacrificing a limb to save a fellow Jew] is a pious trait, but the logical argument could be disputed… Further, perhaps by cutting off his limb, even though his life does not depend upon this limb, he might lose much blood and die. “Who says that you friend’s blood is redder? Perhaps your blood is redder? (See Sanhedrin 74a)” I witnessed one who died resulting from small holes pierced in his ear to remove blood’ he lost so much [blood] that he died, even though man has no limb smaller than the ear! Certainly [he could die] if they would cut it off. Further, it is written [of Torah] “its ways are pleasant ways” [Proverbs 3:17] and the Torah’s laws must be consistent with intellect and logic. How could we believe that one should let someone blind his eye or cut off his arm or leg in order that they not kill his friend? Therefore, I see no reason for this ruling; rather, it is a pious act and praised is the lot of one who could withstand this [sacrifice]. However, if [allowing his limb to be chopped offer would present] a possible risk to his life then such a person would be considered a pious fool, for the doubt [regarding his life] is greater than the certainty of [saving] his friend’s [life].
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy