Shabbat Gathering: Blaming and judging.

Brian D. Johnson

23 Jan 2026 • 4 min read

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

I just read a fascinating article from Jewish Currents about the commandment asking us to rebuke bad behavior in others. The name of the commandment is tochecha and the mitzvah is sourced back to the the Torah portion Kedoshim. Specifically, the mitzvah comes from the verse, “Do not hate your sibling in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your fellow and do not bear sin on their account," (Leviticus 19:17).

All the mitzvot have been deeply, deeply analyzed by the rabbis for 2,000 years, and the mitzvot of tochecha is no exception. Combining all the commentary results in a fractious dialog across the ages. A student must end up picking and choosing the commentary that most resonates for them.

Rabbinic commentary on tochecha is spread along a very wide range of opinion. Some rabbis believe that a rebuke extends up to the point of coming to blows. Other rabbis write that there isn’t any point to making the rebuke unless the person giving it is in a position of authority over the person receiving the rebuke. As usual with Torah, clear and unambiguous instructions are few and far between. For me, the instructions I follow must appeal to my head and my heart.

Rebuke ripples out.

I believe that making a rebuke has an effect beyond the person making the rebuke and the person receiving the rebuke. There are people who haven’t chosen sides or have an opinion they haven’t voiced. Perhaps the people making the rebuke become role models for those who have chosen to be silent.

When I see people standing on the sidewalk along University Avenue or Park Street, especially in inclimate weather, I ask myself, “What am I doing to raise my voice?” And I’m not saying we all share the same opinions or convictions because there are people of goodwill everywhere. Our congregation embraces members of every stripe and that makes for a healthy chevra. But seeing likeminded people raise their voice makes me feel that I should raise mine.

Tochecha comes in all shapes and sizes . But knowing it’s a mitzvah isn’t license to start pointing fingers because that just wouldn’t be polite and probably a poor way to show someone how to reform. We’ll pick our battles and try to fight them from a place of lovingkindness.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!

Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.