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From the Book
“The Torah’s mandate to preserve life requires us to give driving our full attention.”
Texting, using apps, or fiddling with devices while driving is not just unsafe it’s a direct violation of pikuach nefesh. The Torah’s mandate to preserve life requires us to give driving our full attention. Multitasking behind the wheel endangers not just ourselves, but everyone on the road. Every moment of distraction undermines our obligation to protect life. Choosing to put down the phone and focus on the road is a daily affirmation of the value of pikuach nefesh, a powerful mitzvah with lifesaving potential.
“Judaism’s concern for preventing harm is far-reaching.”
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed writes: “Anyone who violates traffic laws, which are intended to prevent the loss of life and were fixed by experts at a high price of human blood, cancels a mitzvah from the Torah and transgresses the prohibition ‘Do not allow a dangerous situation to remain in your house.’” This ruling, he contends, applies even if an accident does not occur. Reckless driving contributes to creating a negative, dangerous norm, influencing others to follow suit.
“ Jewish values travel with us, right into traffic, intersections, and carpool lanes. ”
Throughout the ages, Judaism’s ancient wisdom, the vast corpus of Biblical, Talmudic and Rabbinic teachings, has addressed new and difficult issues that have arisen in every generation. Our times are no different. Answers to contemporary questions can be found, whether dealing with new innovations, emerging technologies, or changing societal trends. We only need to look for them. This book will explore how the timelessness of Jewish values can, and should, change the way we view driving and, ultimately, the way we drive. It will answer whether Jewish values can create innate “awareness reminders” that will change what happens on our roads
“ What is my responsibility if I see a friend driving recklessly? ”
Question: Is a physician who discovers a vision impairment in a patient that would impact on safe driving obligated to testify about the disorder if called upon?
Answer: Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg (1915 2006) answers that not only does the physician need to testify if called upon to do so, he must proactively inform the authorities. This is true even if the patient will incur a financial loss or some other punishment, as nothing stands in the way of saving lives (Tzitz Eliezer 15:13)
“ We are constantly being tested when we drive in terms of our behaviors and responses. ”
“Derech eretz kadmah laTorah, Derech eretz preceded the Torah” (Vayikra Rabbah 9:3). One understanding of this teaching says that we must practice human decency—derech eretz—as a prerequisite for true commitment to religious observance. As in all other non-driving matters, we must first ask ourselves, “Am I treating others with dignity and consideration?” In our case, “Am I being a mensch behind the wheel?”
“ Practicing the discipline of dan l’kaf zechut can break the cycle of road
rage. ”
The Torah includes an exhortation to consciously counter this impulse: “Dan l’kaf zechut—Judge others favorably.” Dan l’kaf zechut asks of us: Can you try to assume the best? Perhaps that driver is new to driving. Maybe they’re scared. Maybe they’re rushing to the hospital!
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