Posted on March 22, 2021
Shalom TBAY!
Wondering what we discussed this past Shabbat? Here is a link to Friday night’s D’Var Torah for Rachel Shabbat- It Can Happen Here. Rachel Coalition Shabbat raises awareness of Domestic Violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 973-740-1233 and ask for Rachel. More information on Rachel Coalition is available here.
On Shabbat morning, we discussed the Torah’s statement that if someone knows something of a crime committed and does not come forward, they are guilty and will be punished. You can find the Source Sheet here. We had many questions and considerations. Some rabbis thought that should apply only to a one-on-one direct request and others thought it should apply anytime a witness is needed. Often, when groups are asked to do something (for example volunteering), people don’t respond, but when asked individually they do. Which do you think? Should a witness who refuses to come forward be treated differently than one who forgets or was never asked? How does this account for inaccurate witnesses? Finally, these laws were often interpreted to make it very difficult for someone to be put to death. Does this requirement make it more likely that people will testify? What do you think?
Shavua Tov!
— Rabbi Rubin : )
