LEV1135 We must try to prevent others from sinning. Rashi cites the Sifra which explains this verse thus: "One shall stumble through the iniquity of another, for all the people of Israel are responsible for each other." (Sifra, Sanhedrin 27b). The Chofetz Chayim used to relate the following analogy: Mr. Cohen loaned Mr. Green a large sum of money. Mr. Shapiro agreed to guarantee the loan; he would pay Mr. Cohen if Mr. Green will be unable to pay. If Mr. Green were investing his money in a business that was sure to lose money, Mr. Shapiro would definitely do everything in his power to prevent Mr. Green from becoming involved in that business. Mr. Shapiro knows that if Mr. Green wastes his money, the obligation to repay the loan will be his. "The same applies to preventing others from sinning," said the Chofetz Chayim. "If someone has the ability to stop another person from transgressing and fails to do so, he is held liable for that offense. Therefore, we must do everything we can to prevent transgressions." (Chofetz Chayim al Hatorah, Nitzovim).