Traditional Jewish Principles/Laws Relevant to the Subject of “Medically Induced Death” 1. Every human is created in the divine image. Human life is sacred, regardless of its quality or usefulness. The value of life does not depend on our abilities. Our bodies/lives/souls “belong” to God, not to us. We are responsible for preserving and not harming them. A corollary: We are obligated to protect the vulnerable in society (elderly, minority, poor, mentally ill), whose lives may appear to be less “useful.” In contrast: Yankee/American value of liberty – the right to do what we want with our bodies; and the utilitarian/pragmatic worldview that people are only of value if they are “doing” and “producing.” 2. Thou shall not murder. Jewish law prohibits murder (except in self-defense or war), and suicide (except death for God’s sake, not yours – i.e. martyrdom). In contrast: Suicide is legal in all 50 states in the U.S. 3. Do not put a stumbling block before the blind (Lev. 19:14). This is un