[Avodah] Are We to Humiliate Sinners as Mitzvah Tochacha

[Rabbi Meir G. Rabi]

The RaMBaM seems to rule that we not humiliate sinners but only when we
begin
He writes Techilah
and in Teshuvah he writes that the sinner requires to be embarrassed in
order to repent

writes DeOs 6:7
It is a mitzvah to help a sinner and one who has strayed from the good
to return to good
to advise that he is harming himself with his evil actions
as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "You shall admonish your colleague."

One who admonishes a colleague
be it for a wrong committed against him or against Gd
it must be done in private.
He must speak patiently and gently, persuading that he is only concerned
for his colleague's welfare,
to allow him to merit eternal life.
If he accepts, it is good; but if not, he must rebuke him a second and
third time
and continue so until the sinner strikes him and tells him: "I will not
listen."

RaMBaM continues DeOs [6:8]
When first admonishing a colleague
one must not speak harshly that he is embarrassed
as [Leviticus 19:17] states: "[You should]... not bear a sin because of
him"
meaning, as Chazal explained, one might imagine the sinner be admonished
harshly until he is humiliated,
however, our Sages said: Ought we rebuke him to the point that his face
changes [colour]? [No] the Torah states: "[You should]... not bear a sin
because of him."
>From this, [we learn that] it is forbidden for a person to embarrass a
[fellow] Jew. How much more so [is it forbidden to embarrass him] in
public. Even though a person who embarrasses a colleague is not [liable
for] lashes on account of him, it is a great sin. Our Sages said: "A person
who embarrasses a colleague in public does not have a share in the world to
come."

However, in Hilchos Teshuvah [4:2] e) One who hates admonishment because
this denies him a path to repentance. Admonishment leads to Teshuvah. When
a person is informed about his sins 'U'Machlimin Osso' and is shamed [by
the admonisher] because of them, he will repent. Accordingly, [rebukes are]
included in the Torah ...



Best,

Meir G. Rabi

0423 207 837
+61 423 207 837
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