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“Standing Idly By”
(updated and revised from Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5766-2006

The double portions of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim contain almost one sixth of all the mitzvot in the Torah. The commandment of Leviticus 19:16, not to stand by idly while the blood of our brother is shed, may not appear, at first blush, to be of great import. Yet, it is a fundamental principle that marks Judaism’s significant departure from the jurisprudence systems of the world, indicating that a person’s inaction can indeed be a significant and punishable violation.

"Standing Idly By"

The double portions of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim contain almost one sixth of all the mitzvot in the Torah. The commandment found in parashat Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:16), not to stand by idly while the blood of our brother is shed, may not appear at first blush to be of great import. Yet, it is a fundamental principle that marks Judaism's significant departure from the jurisprudence systems of the entire world, indicating that a person's inaction can indeed be a significant and punishable violation.