Kedoshim: Admonish your neighbor

• Published date: 29 April 2022

Abuse at Shiloh

When Eli served as the KohenGadol (High Priest) in Shiloh, there were serious issues for women who wished to bring offerings at the Tabernacle. Eli's two sons, Phinehas and Hophni, would not quickly and eagerly tend to their offerings. The women knew the kohanim were unreliable, so they would remain in Shiloh until they saw with their own eyes that their offerings were brought on the altar.

The Torah decries the irresponsible behavior of Phinehas and Hophni in severe terms. Because of the distress and suffering they caused these women, keeping them away from their homes and families, the text says that the two kohanim "would lay with the women who assembled at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting" (I Samuel 2:22; Shabbat 55b).

The Sages noted that Phinehas and Hophni were not equally guilty in this wrongdoing. Later on, we read that Ahiya was descended from Phinehas, the son of Eli (14:3). Why would Ahiya proudly proclaim that his lineage goes back to such a villain?

But if Phinehas was not involved, why does the Torah tell us that both brothers mistreated the women who came to Shiloh?

The Sages explained that Phinehas did not directly participate in the improprieties at Shiloh. However, he could have objected to his brother's deeds, but didn't. Since he failed to admonish Hophni, the Torah considers him an accomplice to his brother's misconduct (Shabbat 55b).

The Sages found three hints in the text indicating that only one brother was truly guilty. The first hint is in the phrase, "they would lay." Without the vowels, it could be read, יִשְׁכָּבֵן - "he would lay" - referring to Hophni, the actual perpetrator. The second hint may be found in Eli's speech as he rebuked his sons. Without vocalization, the text may be read, בְּנִי - "my son" (and not, "my sons"). And the third hint is in the phrase, "they pass on evil reports," which may be read, מַעֲבִירָם - "he passes on."

The Negative Impact of Wrongdoing

When we analyze the consequences of a particular wrongdoing, we may discern several negative repercussions that are incidental to the actual violation. These include:

(a) the spiritual damage to the offender's soul;

(b) the gravity of offense due to the position and esteem accorded to the offender;

(c) the extent of the incident's wider impact on society, as immoral activity in the public sphere is more detrimental to the community as a whole.

In all of these aspects, there is a clear difference between the offender and one who fails to...