Saving a lifeEditorialIt is written that to save a single life is to save the entire world.Just imagine if the life endangered were your own, and the world at risk was your home and family. That is the frightening reality for those who confront physical, psychological and emotional abuse from a spouse. It is estimated that abuse occurs in nearly 20 percent of marriages, with 95 percent of it perpetrated by men against women. It strikes families from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasions. And Jews, who pride themselves on a tradition steeped in the sanctity of home and family, may find it particularly difficult to confront abuse and seek help. A video produced by the Seattle-based Center for Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence highlights specifically Jewish issues and offers responses to women in crisis. It cites the Jewish teaching that pikuach nefesh (saving a life) supersedes other obligations and that it is a Jewish woman's duty to speak out to keep herself and her children safe. The video explains that getting help and ensuring safety are acts of kiddush Hashem (sanctifying God's name). It suggests that the concept of shalom bayit (peace in the home), often cited as a reason that Jewish women remain in abusive relationships, is not solely the woman's responsibility, and that it is the abuser who destroys shalom bayit, not the victim. The religious community has a responsibility to heighten awareness and reach out to those in abusive situations. Arizona's "Children's Sabbath" event, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Patriot's Park, the kickoff for a week-long campaign to "Stop Abuse and Violence Everywhere" (SAVE), offers an opportunity to show Jewish concern. Community representation is also critical at a workshop to provide information and encourage religious leaders to take an active role, set for 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Paradise Valley Methodist Church. By speaking out and encouraging those in abusive situations to get help, we can assure the safety and happiness of our families and children. 
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