Community Magazine November 2012

& Jamileh Ma a Co e . . 8 IS ONE REQUIRED TO OFFER TOCHAHAH TO COMPLETE STRANGERS? In principle, the mitzvah requires offering tochahah to anyone who is observed committing an offense in violation of any mitzvah, whether he’s a friend, acquaintance or complete stranger. Indeed, Moshe Rabbenu chastised an Israelite slave who was beating his fellow ( Shemot 2:13), and also intervened when Midyanite shepherds harassed Yitro’s daughters ( Shemot 2:19). However, one must ensure that he is able to administer the rebuke in an effective manner and without violating any commandments with respect to his relationship to the other person; if he is unsure, then he should not say anything (see above). 9 MUST ONE ADMINISTER TOCHAHAH IF IT COULD JEAPORDIZE HIS JOB OR CAUSE FINANCIAL LOSS? Generally speaking, one is required to spend between one-tenth and one-fifth of his earnings for the performance of a positive commandment, and no more. Certainly, then, one is not required to risk his job for the sake of administering tochahah . As for incurring lesser expenses, such as if one must travel to give rebuke, the Rama (Y.D. 334:48) rules that tochahah differs from other mitzvot , and does not require one to endure financial loss for its performance, whereas other halachic authorities disagree. One should consult his rabbi for guidance in this regard. 10 HOW MANY TIMES IS ONE OBLIGATED TO REPEAT HIS TOCHAHAH? Based on the double expression “ hoche’ah tochi’ah ,” the Gemara ( Yevamot 65b) establishes that if the offender does not initially accept the words of tochahah , one must reprove him again, even several times, until it becomes clear that the words will not be accepted. The Talmud records a debate as to when this is determined – when the offender becomes angry, when he curses the person administering the rebuke, or when he physically accosts him ( Arachin 16b). The Ritva ( Yevamot 65b) distinguishes in this regard between an individual sinner – to whom one must repeat the tochahah if it is not immediately accepted – and a group of offenders, whom need not be reprimanded again if they ignore the words of rebuke. DOC ’ S PHARMACY 559 KINGS HIGHWAY (Bet. E. 4th & 5th Streets) TEL: 718.627.1145 FAX: 718.627.2193 Don’t let WINTER scare you. Enjoy it! We got you covered! Portions of this edition were adapted from Rabbi Dovid Wax’s Sefer Taryag Misvot HaShalem. HESVAN 5773 NOVEMBER 2012 69