Respect Human Life
Do not murder
Law 3 of 7
Taking the life of an innocent person is absolutely forbidden. Human life is sacred because every person is created in the image of G-d. This law not only prohibits murder, but also teaches us to value life, pursue peace, and avoid harm to others in all forms.
Man is created in the ‘image’ of G-d. Man’s life is a holy gift, which no one has the right to take away from him. One must respect and encourage the continuation of mankind. One who kills a soul, it is considered as though he has murdered the entire world and harmed the Creator in whose image he was created.
In practice
Every human life is protected, including a life still growing in its mother’s womb.
A deeper look
The record of man’s inhumanity to man begins with the story of Cain and Abel. Man is indeed his brother’s keeper.
The prohibition against taking a life, which protects life before birth as well, comes to protect man from the bestial tendency which lies within him. Man the attacker denies the sanctity of human life, and ultimately attacks G-d, who created us in His image.
