GEN501 We live in an age when mussar, ethical teaching, is considered outmoded; chastisement and constructive moral criticism are considered in bad taste; to insist on religious self-examination and improvement, is regarded as offensive.  We have accepted the cardinal, primary Anglo-Saxon rule of life: “Mind your own business.” Therefore, if you see someone commit a wrong, do not interfere; it is no concern of yours.  Nothing could be more contrary to the Jewish view. “All Jews are responsible for one another”: this is our cardinal, primary rule, enunciated and echoed in the Talmud and Midrash. [Talmud Shebuoth 39a and other citations] In the infinite, timeless vision of Torah, the Jewish people are one organic unity: all parts, sections, members are responsible for one another. What affects one, affects all. We reject the heartless, murderous cynicism of a Cain who asks, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [this verse]. [With Cain’s preceding words, this could also be rendered, “I did not know that I am my brother’s keeper.” Judaism rejects this too: ignorance is no excuse]. SINAI1 xxi (Continued at [[EXOD793]] Exodus 23:4 back SINAI1 xxi-xxii and then at [[DEUT1082]] Deuteronomy 22:1 bring SINAI1 xxii).