Emor- The Prohibition of Murder
The prohibition of murder is a central theme in the Emor Torah portion. This prohibition is mentioned in Leviticus 24:17-22, which states that "Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death... for I am the Lord your G-d."
This prohibition is one of 7 Noahide's commandments, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the severity of the crime of murder. The Torah's prohibition of murder is a fundamental principle and is considered a basic requirement for the establishment of a just society.
The prohibition of murder is also reflected in the laws of Pikuach Nefesh, which means "the saving of a life." According to this principle, the preservation of human life is one of the highest values, and it overrides almost all other religious obligations. In addition to the moral imperative of not taking another person's life, the prohibition of murder also includes the obligation to establish a just legal system that punishes murderers and protects the innocent. The Torah law commands that murderers be put to death.
Every human being is valuable. This intrinsic worth is not determined by accomplishments. It's because of our pure G-dly core. And, regardless of circumstances, everyone has the ability to connect with G-d. There is no greater thing than the ability to connect with the most Supreme Being.
Human life is considered to be sacred and valuable, and it is seen as an integral part of fulfilling G-d's plan for creation. The worth of a human life cannot be measured. To destroy a single human life is similar to destroying the entire universe because the world no longer exists for that individual who had a role in the creation. As a result, sustaining a single human life means sustaining an entire universe. Life was given to us for the sake of completing the purpose of creation and bringing the infinite G-dly light to the world of action.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfill Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans".
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