Power and Responsibility: CJL May 2, 2012

As long as one is but an ordinary scholar, one has no concern with the congregation and is not punished [for its lapses], but as soon as one is appointed head and dons the cloak [of leadership], one must no longer say: ‘I live for my own benefit, I care not about the congregation,’ but the whole burden of the community is on that person's shoulders. If one sees a person causing suffering to another, or transgressing, and does not prevent that person, then that person is held punishable. The Holy Spirit then exclaims, “‘My child, if you have become surety for your neighbor’- you are responsible for your neighbor, because ‘you have shaken hands on behalf of a stranger’” (Proverbs 6:1). The Holy Blessed One says to that person: “‘You [by assuming office] have placed yourself in the arena’, and one who places oneself in the arena stands either to fail or win. We two stand in the arena; either you prevail or I.” [Soncino translation]