The mitzvos of the Torah were given for the sake of life – not death. We generally accept that the concept of mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice, is a reference to one who is prepared to give up his life for Hashem. Horav E.M. Schach, Shlita, posits that this is not the Torah’s intent. Rather, mesiras nefesh is defined by man’s devotion to “live” as a Jew – despite challenging situations. The Torah values human life, demanding that we maintain a lifestyle of Torah and mitzvos throughout our lifetime. People are frequently prepared to go to war to risk their lives for…
