239 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8), Source Book Keys, AMJV GENESIS | 1:27 image — GEN107 Even a sinner who is a Jewish leader must ... GEN107 Even a sinner who is a Jewish leader must be accorded the minimum level of human dignity and may not be shunned by the community. Every human being retains a part of God inside of him or her and thus must be accorded basic human dignity and honor. However, when it comes to Jewish leaders, there is one caveat. The Code of Jewish Law states that if a leader or Rabbi retains his evil ways, then this person must be shunned by the Jewish community, even though his talents may be desperately needed by the community. Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 246:8 Thus, Judaism does not separate between one’s moral values and actions, and the ability to perform one’s duties admirably. Until a person has admitted his sin and has returned to the proper path, the community may and should ignore the person. But once this change has occurred, this leader must be accorded the minimum honor and dignity, and as with any sinner, may not be reminded of his checkered past. Baba Metzia 58b AMJV 308 Share Print Source KeyAMJVVerse1:27Keyword(s)imageSource Page(s)(See end of excerpt) Switch article GENESIS | 1:27 image — GEN106 What makes man uniquely man, with the spar... Previous Article GENESIS | 1:27 image — GEN108 Many have understood the Godliness in man’... Next Article