Q&A: Were I Not Afraid
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Were I Not Afraid
Question
The expression “were I not afraid, I would say” is common among commentators and halakhic decisors. What is the meaning of this fear? To sue in a religious court a sage who permitted some act on the Sabbath, and all the other sages gather and think he erred—that certainly is impossible. Presumably, in the hands of Heaven, one who acted based on a sage who made a mistake will not be punished, and this is not comparable to liability for a sacrifice. So what is the fear?
Answer
First, there is fear of making a mistake. If you disagree with a great sage, maybe you are the one who erred.
But usually it is not out of fear; it is simply a polite turn of phrase.
Discussion on Answer
Both. It depends on the person and how they see it.
And if I made a mistake, what is there to be afraid of? Are there consequences, or is it fear of error for its own sake?