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Embarrassing Others: Difference between revisions

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Embarrassing another person is one of the most severe prohibitions in the Torah. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most often violated. It is essential to learn the Halachot of [[Embarrassing others]] in order to avoid causing this terrible pain to others.
Embarrassing another person is one of the most severe prohibitions in the Torah. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most often violated. It is essential to learn the Halachot of [[Embarrassing others]] in order to avoid causing this terrible pain to others.
= = Source of Prohibition  = =
= = Source of Prohibition  = =
David
There are two possible prohibitions that one violates when he or she embarrasses another.  
There are two possible prohibitions that one violates when he or she embarrasses another.  
First, the Torah prohibits oppressing another <ref> VaYikra 25:17 </ref>. The Mishnah Bava Metzia <ref> Bava metzia 58b </ref>  extends this prohibition to oppressing another with words as well as with money. This prohibition forbids several different ways of oppressing with words. When one embarrasses another, he or she is in violation of the prohibition of “A man may not oppress his fellow <ref> VaYikra 25:17 </ref>.
First, the Torah prohibits oppressing another <ref> VaYikra 25:17 </ref>. The Mishnah Bava Metzia <ref> Bava metzia 58b </ref>  extends this prohibition to oppressing another with words as well as with money. This prohibition forbids several different ways of oppressing with words. When one embarrasses another, he or she is in violation of the prohibition of “A man may not oppress his fellow <ref> VaYikra 25:17 </ref>.
Second, there is a specific prohibition not to embarrass that is derived from the Mitzvah of rebuking others. The Torah commands “You shall surely rebuke your friend<ref> Vayikra 19:17. </ref>.” However,  the end of the verse: “and you shall not bear iniquity because of him” warns us not to allow the fulfillment of this commandment to simultaneously cause a transgression of humiliating another. The prohibition against embarrassing in this specific case creates a general prohibition against embarrassing another in any situation <ref> Sefer HaChinuch 240 based on Sifra </ref>.
Second, there is a specific prohibition not to embarrass that is derived from the Mitzvah of rebuking others. The Torah commands “You shall surely rebuke your friend<ref> Vayikra 19:17. </ref>.” However,  the end of the verse: “and you shall not bear iniquity because of him” warns us not to allow the fulfillment of this commandment to simultaneously cause a transgression of humiliating another. The prohibition against embarrassing in this specific case creates a general prohibition against embarrassing another in any situation <ref> Sefer HaChinuch 240 based on Sifra </ref>.
In addition to violating the above prohibitions, anyone who embrasses another is also failing to fulfil the Mitzvah of V’ahavta L’reach Kamocha <ref> Vayikra 19:18. </ref>.  
In addition to violating the above prohibitions, anyone who embrasses another is also failing to fulfil the Mitzvah of V’ahavta L’reach Kamocha <ref> Vayikra 19:18. </ref>.  
= = Punishment = =  
= = Punishment = =