LEV881 Dispensation to intervene in the natural order [i.e., to heal sickness or injury] is derived from Exodus 21:20 (sic 21:19); (but once such license is given, medical therapy is not simply elective but acquires the status of a positive obligation [footnote omitted]. As indicated by Sanhedrin 73a, this obligation mandates not only the rendering of personal assistance as is the case with regard to the restoration of lost property, but, by virtue of a negative commandment, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16), the obligation is expanded to encompass expenditure of financial resources for the sake of preserving the life of one’s fellow man. This seems to have been the interpretation given to Maimonides’ comments by Rabbi Joseph Caro who, in his code of Jewish law, combined both concepts in stating: “The Torah gave permission to the physician to heal; moreover, this is a religious precept and it is included in the category of saving life; and if the physician withholds his services it is considered as shedding blood.” Yoreh De’ah 336:1.