In this week’s reading, we learn about sin and guilt offerings in the Temple. One was called the “higher or lower” offering, as this offering depended upon a person’s financial situation. If a person entered the Temple without being in a pure state, or swore falsely because he had forgotten, he had to bring this offering.
One of the situations in which a person had to bring this offering, however, is extraordinary. In general, offerings are not brought for deliberate acts. Our Sages teach that Temple offerings only atoned for inadvertent, negligent errors. If a person knowingly violated a Torah law, he could not simply make up for it by bringing an offering.
Here we find a rare exception: when a person witnessed an event, and there was a call for testimony about it, and he feigns ignorance and does not step forward. In that case, he must give an offering to atone for his failure, although his silence was intentional.
What makes this case different? First and foremost, it is not a situation in which a human court could punish a person for this failing. It is only a crime against Heaven.
The other difference, however, is deeper: it is a crime of inaction rather than action. And that offers us a profound lesson.
The Torah tells us in multiple circumstances that inaction is also a crime. If you see an animal struggling with its burden, you have to help the owner. A man has to be circumcised, and to bring the Passover sacrifice. Even here, where two people are arguing, or a person has committed a crime, we cannot remain indifferent. The Torah tells us not to look away.
It is not enough, the Torah tells us, for us to simply worry about ourselves and our own obligations. There are times when we must step forward and speak up, where inaction is not an option. We are responsible for others, and their wellbeing, and for everyone around us. May we always feel that responsibility to uplift everyone, not just ourselves!
