Avoid Embarrassment

There is a simple Pasuk mentioned in the Torah, that carries with it, an important message. The Torah gives instructions detailing the חטאת, sin offering.

We are told that the חטאת should be offered in the same place as the עולה, the burnt offering. This was to be in the northern part of the מזבח, altar.

It may seem like a procedural instruction, but there is much more behind it. The reason why there is such a command, is to save the one offering the חטאת, embarrassment.

If everyone knew that he was offering a חטאת, they might look down on him as a sinner. But because this sacrifice is offered in the same place as the עולה, people might just think he was offering an עולה, and he will be able to save face.

There are numerous stories related to many great rabbis, who went to great lengths to be certain they would not cause others embarrassment. One such example involved Rav Yisrael Salant, the founder of the Mussar movement. When he was given a rabbinical position at a young age, numerous students flocked to him to hear his Torah. But when he saw that the number of students was greater than that of the veteran rabbis, he resigned from his position.

We must develop that sensitivity to be certain that we are not causing others shame. This is taught from the instructions related to the חטאת.