Question: I know that Judaism places infinite value on life. I have a question therefore about the ideal way for a Jewish society to allocate its funds. Logic would dictate that all monies should be spent on hospitals, the latest life-saving equipment and the strongest army - and other lifesaving projects. No monies should be directed towards libraries and parks until all patients have been attended to. Although this may seem logical, is this indeed the Jewish view of a perfect society?

Answer: The Talmud discusses the situation of a town with a water source that is sufficient for the town and others beyond, but only if the locals drink and do not do laundry. If the locals drink and wash, there will be insufficient drinking water for the more distant population. At first glance it seems obvious that because the priority of life and death takes precedence over almost every other consideration, the people in the town with the water source should drink only and not do laundry.

The Talmud however documents one approach that teaches that they may in fact wash as well. The reasoning is that when dealing with the needs of society at large we must also look at the broader picture. This means that we don't only analyse the immediate urgencies but the overall long-term well being as well. Even though the immediate problem to a society without drinking water seems minimal, the long ranging effects from the lack of hygiene can be devastating.

Similarly, if all funds were to be set aside to take care of those in immediate danger, the long term needs of society will be sacrificed. Without libraries and parks the fabric of society would eventually deteriorate through illiteracy and decay in the quality of human life.

This concept can be further demonstrated from the Halachik approach to redeeming captives. Jewish law teaches that while it is a great mitzvah to redeem a captive, one may not pay an exorbitant sum, even if it means not redeeming the captive at all. The logic being that by the community giving in to blackmail, it will only encourage the kidnappers to continue taking hostages. The long range needs of society at large take precedence over the immediate needs of the individual.

Although there are many opinions within Jewish Law regarding this issue, it is clear that broader considerations than the immediate and most apparent must be taken into account.

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