Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach/0/en
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This topic has not yet undergone editorial review
Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shelach
Sins of the Fathers
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 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?
