<HTML>In a related issue to saving lives on Shabbat, I recently gave a series
of
classes to women on the mitzva of Lo Taamod al Dam Re'acha in the
context
of the sinking of the Titanic. Although it was not my intention, the
issue
of the decision of the Ship's Captain to save the women and children
first
was raised. This decision which seems, I believe, to must of us educated
in
the Western world would appear to be morally sound is actually against
the
Halacha. The source is the second to last mishna in Horayot that a man
takes precedence over a woman when it comes to saving a life. (See the
commentaries for the reason.) Has anyone encountered any sources that
present a different view? Assuming that there is no other view, any
suggestions as to how to present this in the classroom without first
having
to disparage Western morality and the vanity of the Romantic period
etc.?
TIA,
Michael Olshin
Reishit Yerushalayim, Bnot Chayil</HTML>
