Parshas Vayakhel: The Preservation of Human Life Always Applies

We have two Torah portions this week, Vayakhel, Shemot (Exodus) 35:1–38:20 and Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:1-22. The Exodus reading uses the building of the Mishkan to illustrate applying God's word in human action. Everyone participates. The people provide special wood and metal building materials and precious decorative fabrics and gems. Contractors and artisans labor for 74 days to build the Mishkan. They work six days in a row. On the seventh day these activities cease to observe the most holy day in the Jewish calendar, the weekly Sabbath celebration and rest.

Sabbath observance is introduced in number 4 of the 10 Commandments, presented by Moses to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. At this time, Sabbath observance is so important that failure to comply carries the death penalty.

In modern times, opinions vary as to what constitutes Sabbath observance. Current day guidelines suggested by some rabbinic authorities resemble but differ from the restrictions originally enumerated in the 39 Melachot, the general categories of labor (creative work) required to build the Mishkan. Today, personal preferences range from forgoing nearly all activity to carrying on without altering normal routine. Many Jews either prioritize Sabbath observance or strive to improve it within their unique personal circumstances.

We all need physical rest and spiritual renewal after six days of demanding work. Resting for a day to focus on studying Torah and reconnecting with family and friends restores us and makes life sweet. We practice self-imposed quietness as a way to rest, humble ourselves and respect God's word. Although abstaining from routine work and household chores is demanded, the Sabbath observance is meant to be life enhancing, not an exercise in deprivation. Hence, activities needed to save lives, and to care for children, the elderly and sick are required.

The Jewish principle of Pikuach Nefesh always applies. Pikuach Nefesh teaches us that all human life is sacred and belongs to God and that the preservation of human life overrides any other religious rule of Judaism, including all Sabbath restrictions. Everything we do should enhance life and human flourishing. Talmudic opinions give special emphasis to saving the life of an unborn child even on the Sabbath by caring for a pregnant woman and attempting to deliver a live baby whose mother has just died in childbirth.

Our wise sages taught that Pikuach Nefesh includes saving unborn babies. This principle still applies despite later opinions and current beliefs that set it aside in order to allow destroy babies in the womb. This constitutes a serious breach of Jewish ethics and morals. Moreover, it enables ongoing spiritual and demographic suicide for the Jewish people.

As Passover approaches, Jews are called to examine more deeply our actions and motives, a practice to strengthen our relationship with God as we prepare for our deliverance from unholy cultural influences. Our extra Torah reading this week, Numbers 19:1-22, focuses on the need for ritual purification after close proximity with a human corpse. Touching a human dead body, or merely being in the same room with one, desecrates the Tabernacle of God. Any person engaged in such activity must undergo purification through the 'red heifer' water ritual or forever be outcast.

Applying the word of God in human affairs today, we recognize that close proximity with abortion death desecrates God's holy temple, the place within each one of us where God resides. Our healing program, Tikvat Rachel, provides a healing pathway of redemption and health for Jewish women and men who suffer spiritual wounds after abortion. Our graduates continue their lives, rebuilding their inner sanctuary and helping others to heal.

Emphasis on purification rituals continues in our Haftarah portions this week. The regular reading, I Melachim (Kings) 7:13-26, describes the instructions for building King Solomon's temple's first Mikvah, a copper basin in which the priests submerge themselves for purification before doing their temple duties.

In our special Haftarah reading due to the approaching Passover holiday, Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 36:16-36, the Israelite priest condemns unethical and immoral practices among the Jews living in Jerusalem. He warns that desecrating God's presence will result in the imminent destruction of Solomon's temple by the Babylonians. Ezekiel envisions a future time when God will sprinkle the Jews with purifying holy waters in preparation for the coming of Moshiach.

We lament anti-life policy making everywhere, but especially in Israel and within Jewish groups and organizations that disregards Pikuach Nefesh in pursuit of social justice activities meant to help others at the expense of innocent human life in the womb. The painful deaths of so many babies and the harm done to those involved pose a grave danger to everyone. Unless and until our collective abdication of moral objectives is remedied, we exist in a chronic state of spiritual sickness for which no earthly treatment exists. Let us lift our eyes to Heaven and acknowledge our need for a thorough cleansing of heart, mind and soul. Let us choose life!

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Cecily Routman

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.

Cecily Routman is the founder and president of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. She opposes abortion homicide in general and among Jews in particular and laments secular policy making in Israel that results in loss of Jewish life and delays the messianic redemption. She envisions a Torah based holy Land of Israel and a world that respects the life of every human being from conception.