Are Jews required to save a non-Jew's life on the Sabbath?

[Mediocrates]

Rabbinically - gossip is described as the murder of three people.

[danholo]

Yes Mediocrates,

Talmudic Rabbis say that "Murdering one's name, is like murdering him."
"Gossip" is only allowed to be told, when it is vital information, like for a court or police.

[Philip]

Came across this tidbit.:

for they bow to vanity and nothingness.

"They" (the nations of the world) bow by spreading their hands and feet. What does "vanity" mean? An idol is manufactured from natural material like metal, wood or stone and these have no power of their own. What does "nothingness" mean? It is like a shell which has nothing in it. For example, the sun, moon, and stars, by themselves are nothing, for they have no force except natural forces which were built into them by G-d, the Creator. The point is obvious. Whatever is made, however wonderful it is it should move us to worship its creator rather than the object itself.

Some people have the custom of spitting after saying these words, to indicate that they do not wish to derive any benefit from idolatry and the like. Speech stimulates saliva, and we do not wish to derive any benefit from this saliva. However, if one wishes to spit, it must be done either into a handkerchief or onto the ground, immediately rubbing it with the foot, so that it is not noticeable. Some do not spit at all in a synagogue, because they feel that it is disgraceful to spit while praises to G-d are on their lips, nor is it respectful to one's friend, who may become repulsed by it. Indeed, the Ari Zal was very particular never to spit in a synagogue, just as he would not in his home.

The Siddur of Ge'onim and Mikubalim states that many people who do not understand Hebrew may mistakenly spit by the words "but we bend the knee...," which is reference to G-d. So to refrain from making this mistake, the author suggests that one should not spit at all. The author also says that it is a great danger to spit because the Gentiles may, heaven forbid, harm Jewish people because of it.

Nevertheless; it is a Chabad custom to spit when saying "for they bow to vanity and nothingness." This is in accordance with the aforementioned reason of speech stimulating saliva, and we do not wish to derive benefit from this saliva.

It would seem that spitting at the mention of other religions is part of at least some Jewish traditions. Is spitting and cursing at the cemetaries of other religions so different from this? I think not. Is gossip a greater transgression when it is false?

[danholo]

Is spitting and cursing at the cemetaries of other religions so different from this? I think not.

What are you trying to prove with this spitting notion? Can you prove that Jews spit and curse at cemeteries, other than from Shahak's book?

Is gossip a greater transgression when it is false?

No. Gossip is forbidden. It is probably the hardest mitzvot to keep.

[Philip]

That Israel Shahak says it is so will suffice for me for the moment. I've found him credible with regard to most things, your gossip notwithstanding. The Shahak matters that seem questionable I still expect to be resolved without significantly hariming his credibility. Whatever you think is beyond my concern.