LEV227 The Talmud, based on [this] verse in Leviticus, explains why Judaism places such a high value on human life. It says that if a person can live another day to do more Mitzvot, it is imperative to violate one Mitzvah today. Thus, it can be said that except for three circumstances, there is no value in Judaism more important than the preservation of life (Yoma 85b). The juxtaposition of "He shall live by them" after stating in the same verse "You shall keep my statutes," shows us that Jews should read to verse, "You shall keep my statutes… as long as you live by them." Rabbi Judah, based on our first verse, will say that a Jew's purpose in life is to do Mitzvot. If Jews are alive, they can do more Mitzvot. Therefore, one can violate one Mitzvah (of the 610) in order to stay alive and do other Mitzvot.