To serve others, we must first serve ourselves

It all seems so wonderful, this idea of being in touch with the reason we are here, with a loving caring G-d. Yet, as we have been so horribly reminded of late, some of the greatest tragedies in human history have been perpetrated in the name of that very same G-d.

How can we be sure an attempt to explore our relationship with G-d and embrace our Jewish identity, or for that matter any religious affirmation, will really end in peace and harmony, and not in hate and destruction?

Additionally, there is another question we have been confronted by in recent events: Am I allowed to place my own life in danger to save another, or must I always come first? What is my obligation to my own life?

Is one allowed to step out of line to try and help someone who has fallen by the way during a forced death march? On the one hand, the person who has collapsed from sheer exhaustion will certainly be shot as soon as the Nazis notice him. On the other hand, the fellow stepping out of line, if seen, would almost certainly be put to death as well.

Were the firemen rushing up dozens of floors in the World Trade Center doing the right thing, placing their own lives in danger in an attempt to save others? Or is it possible that my life is not really my own, and as a gift is something I am responsible to protect as much as if not more than someone else’s? And even if one is not obligated to risk one’s life for another, at the very least isn’t this an ideal we aspire to, and certainly something we admire?

Rav Oshri’s response, that while absolutely not required, such an action is allowed, and even to be admired, clearly indicates that we do value and aspire to such a level.