Last week, Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, a friend and colleague, published a very painful personal reflection in response to the recent Penn State sex abuse scandal and the unprecedented ruling by the NCAA punishing the university and its football program for its role in covering up these atrocities.
Judaism condemns standing idly by while someone else is in need of our help. Leviticus 19:16 teaches us not to stand idly by the blood of our neighbor, and, in extremely strong language, the Talmud teaches that God hates people who, “possess evidence about their neighbor and do not testify on their behalf” (Pesachim 113b). Silence is certainly not always golden, and Judaism reminds us that at times it is dangerous and sacrilegious.
The message is clear: while we may not always be able to help others who are in trouble, we must always try. I highly recommend you read this moving article, entitled, ” When Silence Equals Death ” by Rabbi Kirshner.