Difference between revisions of "Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach/0/en"

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<h1>Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach</h1>
 
<h1>Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach</h1>
 
<div><b><center><span class="highlighted-notice">This topic has not yet undergone editorial review</span></center></b></div>
 
<div><b><center><span class="highlighted-notice">This topic has not yet undergone editorial review</span></center></b></div>
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<category>Sins of the Fathers
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<p>Why, at times, are the righteous punished while sinners prosper?&#160; When praying for the nation after the sin of the spies, Moshe mentions the attributes of Hashem, including that He is "פֹּקֵד עֲוֹן אָבוֹת עַל בָּנִים".&#160; The verse appears to suggest that, at least in certain circumstances, Hashem Himself allows innocent children to be punished while their sinful parents go free.</p>
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<li>How does such punishment manifest Divine justice?&#160; Moreover, why would Moshe mention such an attribute as part of a plea for forgiveness?&#160; Is there any way to read the verse as an attestation of Hashem's mercy?</li>
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<li>When, if ever, is collective punishment justified?&#160; Can the same reasoning apply to vicarious punishment?&#160; Does the fact that the verse speaks of inter-familial punishment make a difference?</li>
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<li>For extensive discussion of the issue, see <a href="Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins" data-aht="page">Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins?</a></li>
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Version as of 03:16, 14 June 2017

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

Sins of the Fathers

Why, at times, are the righteous punished while sinners prosper?  When praying for the nation after the sin of the spies, Moshe mentions the attributes of Hashem, including that He is "פֹּקֵד עֲוֹן אָבוֹת עַל בָּנִים".  The verse appears to suggest that, at least in certain circumstances, Hashem Himself allows innocent children to be punished while their sinful parents go free.

  • How does such punishment manifest Divine justice?  Moreover, why would Moshe mention such an attribute as part of a plea for forgiveness?  Is there any way to read the verse as an attestation of Hashem's mercy?
  • When, if ever, is collective punishment justified?  Can the same reasoning apply to vicarious punishment?  Does the fact that the verse speaks of inter-familial punishment make a difference?
  • For extensive discussion of the issue, see Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins?