- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Question
lets say there is a famine in the land, and one jew has enough for themselves to probably survive through the expected time of famine. What would be the halacha? to share what they have with others or their well being comes first? If there were to share with others, with how many people they should share their stuff? their immediate family only? any Jewish? Should they even think of tomorrow? ty
Answer
Shalom U'vracha,
Your life comes before your friends life. To be clear, you must first save your own life before you give food to others (Baba Metzia 62:1).
Additionally, Jewish lives come before non-Jewish lives (see Mishna Horayot 3:7-8).
I am being very brief, but there is much to discuss regarding these topics. See for instance, the Shu't of Minchat asher part 1:115 part 3 122-123).
All the best!
Immersion with Earplugs
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | 4 Tevet 5764

Jews murdering prophets
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 2, 5780

Lashon Hara and Performance Appraisals
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 27 Av 5764

When does my kaddish end
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 8, 5771

Re how does God do terrible things to people
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 26, 5785

Being like God
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 2, 5785
