Rebuking Members of the Exilarch’s Household

Whoever is able to protest against the [sins of the] people of his household and does not protest is caught up [in the sins of] the people of his household. [Whoever is able to protest against the sins of] the people of his city [and does not protest is] caught up in [the sins of] the people of his city. [Whoever is able to protest against the sins of] the entire world [and does not protest is] caught up in [the sins of] the world. R. Papa said: The members of the exilarch’s household are caught up in the sins of the entire world. As R. Ḥanina said: Why does it say: God will come in judgment with the elders of His people and His ministers (Isaiah 3:14)? If the ministers sinned, what sin did the elders commit? Say that the elders [sinned] by not protesting against [the sins of] the ministers. [ . . . ] R. Zera said to R. Simeon, “Go and rebuke the members of the household of the exilarch!” He replied, “But they will not heed me!” He said to him, “Even though they won’t listen to you, go and rebuke them.”

Translated by Matthew Goldstone.