One must reprove another Jew who is sinning or acting wrongly, to guide them back to proper conduct.
This mitzvah requires direct confrontation when a fellow Jew transgresses, with the intent of helping them correct their ways. Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:6–9) codifies that rebuke should be gentle at first, then firmer if necessary, always aiming to prevent sin. The Talmud (Arachin 16b) says that rebuke is a mark of love, not hatred, and failing to rebuke makes one complicit in another’s sin. Rashi (Lev. 19:17) explains that withholding rebuke while harboring resentment leads to sin in one’s own heart. Ramban emphasizes that rebuke must be rooted in love and truth, not cruelty. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 239) writes that rebuke protects community integrity, ensuring Torah values are upheld.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
Contrast with Hatred (Mitzvah 15):
Parallel to Love of Fellow Jews (Mitzvah 13):
Constructive Confrontation
Preventing Sin in Community
Tone and Sensitivity
Accountability Culture
Courage to Speak Up
Balancing Truth and Peace
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Reflects mitzvot rooted in love—of G‑d, others, and the world we are entrusted to uplift.
Acts of generous giving that extend beyond obligation — offering help, support, or goodness simply because another person exists. Chesed is proactive, abundant care that heals the world through open-hearted action.
Empathy in motion — responding to another’s pain with sensitivity, patience, and understanding. Whereas chesed gives broadly, rachamim responds gently, tailoring care to a person’s emotional or spiritual needs.
Mitzvot that uphold fairness, honesty, and moral responsibility. Justice is kindness structured — ensuring that society reflects G-d’s order through truth, equity, and accountability.
Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.
Practices that cultivate inner modesty and self-awareness. These mitzvot teach us to step back from ego, create space for others, and recognize our place before G-d.
Mitzvot that strengthen communal life — showing up, participating, supporting, and belonging. Community is where holiness is shared, prayers are multiplied, and responsibility becomes collective.
Mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, justice, and responsibility in human relationships. These actions build trust, dignity, and peace between people.
Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — expressions of devotion rooted in divine connection.
Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.
Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.
Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.
Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.
