Get Involved

There is often an accusation that Jews often hold back from getting involved in Jewish activities. Sometimes it’s just apathy that prevents them from being more active. Other times, there could be a fear that being outspoken or taking a position, could make them unpopular or harm them. There is a Pasuk in קדושים that forbids us from standing on the sidelines, when we could make a difference. The words are: לא תעמוד על דם רעך, that we are not allowed to stand by our brother’s blood. The classic example is where a woman is drowning and a “religious” man sees this and ignores the woman both because he doesn’t want to get involved or touch a forbidden woman. He is called a חסיד שוטה, a righteous fool. There are times that going to public prayer or even a demonstration, would require us to participate. Not getting involved might cause us to violate this negative commandment of לא תעמוד על דם רעך.