)
It is a great mitzva to save a person in danger. As we mentioned above, our Sages state that “Anyone who saves one life is considered to have saved an entire world.” Therefore, someone who sees others drowning or about to be attacked by criminals must try to rescue them, as it says, “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16). One is even required to endanger oneself if necessary. To what extent? To the extent reasonable people are prepared to endanger themselves to save their own property. Going beyond this level of danger to save a person is not an obligation. It is a mitzva though, assuming the lifesaving action will most probably succeed.
