Please explain Bava Metzia 62a about the two men with just enough water for one of them to survive. I do not grasp R. Akiva's advice tthat only one of them drink the water in order to survive and he bases this on 'that thy brother may live with thee:' thy life takes precedence over his life." I seem to be missing something in this text and so I would be appreciative if you would explain. Understanding the text is very important to me as a Holocaust survivor. Thanks. WZ

Thanks for your response.  Shabbat Shalom, D

Rabbi Newman, I asked you this morning about confidential emails. i then responded to your email by asking you my personal question. i then saw an email that says that ask@asktherabbi.org is not monitored address. i dont know where my letter is, but i DEFINITELY dont want it flying around. PLEASE do what you can to get the letter and make sure it doesn't go around. not that anyone would know the people invovled, but it's not the type of letter one would want to let circulate. thank you in advance!

Please explain Bava Metzia 62a about the two men with just enough water for one of them to survive. I do not grasp R. Akiva's advice tthat only one of them drink the water in order to survive and he bases this on 'that thy brother may live with thee:' thy life takes precedence over his life." I seem to be missing something in this text and so I would be appreciative if you would explain. Understanding the text is very important to me as a Holocaust survivor. Thanks. WZ

Thanks for your response. Shabbat Shalom, D