בס”ד
In this Torah portion, we study the prohibition of “You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). While its simple meaning refers to not placing a physical obstacle before someone who cannot see, its broader interpretation by the Sages extends to not misleading or giving harmful advice to a person who is “blind” in a metaphorical sense – someone ignorant or lacking knowledge in a particular matter. This could apply in areas of religious law, incitement to worship idols, business dealings, or any situation where one person takes advantage of another’s lack of understanding to cause them harm or error.
The commandment “You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind,” is a specific commandment given to the Jewish people. Rashi, the prominent commentator, says that in any situation where a particular action depends on the inner intention of the person, and there is no way for others to know their true intention, the Torah commands to fear G-d. This is in order to ensure that the person acts with integrity and fear of Heaven, and does not exploit the lack of human oversight for negative purposes. Since this is a logical obligation, it refers to Noahides as well. If someone gives misleading advice to a Noahide that results in tangible harm or loss (e.g., financial loss in business dealings, misleading a person to believe in false gods), this is forbidden. This applies for anyone, under the general law of avoiding theft and not causing damage.
The Seven Noahide Laws include the obligation to establish laws and courts of justice (Dinim). Giving misleading advice or deceiving someone in a way that causes tangible harm would also fall under the “Dinim” commandment (establishing righteous courts of justice) to ensure a just society. The broader value of not causing harm through deception, particularly tangible harm, is forbidden for both Jews and Noahides.
In a broader sense, preserving justice means that we negate false deeds and actively reveal G-d’s absolute unity within creation. Implementing justice in the world reflects His reign and brings harmony to the world. Everything that exists – the entire cosmos, all created beings, every moment, every phenomenon – is constantly being brought into existence from absolute nothingness by His will and is utterly dependent on Him. Maintaining a just and ordered world, as required by the 7 Noahide commandments (which includes prohibiting theft and deceit leading to tangible harm), also means a recognition of G-d’s unity.
Source: Rabbi Yonatan Steif, Mitzvot HaShem, page 488. Tanya chapter 21 page 27. Leviticus 19:14.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
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