Finishing chapter 7 and beginning chapter 8. First, a story about Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus and his death, put in context. The backdrop includes the oven of Akhnei and the fact that Rabbi Eliezer was put into cherem/ostracized for his different approach in that case. When Rabbi Eliezer became ill, Rabbi Akiva (and others) went to visit him, apparently in violation of the cherem. Plus how he was received, his teachings of halakhah, and his knowledge of sorcery, with regard to cucumbers (or squash), in particular. Plus, the rush to have Rabbi Eliezer transmit his Torah, despite his personal harshness. Also, chapter 8, with a new mishnah: the ben sorer u-moreh (gluttonous and rebellious child). This status is only applicable under very specific conditions, including age, sex, conduct. But why does the Torah need to exempt the potential minor from culpability? Because this person is always judged “now” for the sake of what greater sins he will be guilty of, down the road. But preventing later sins sounds like it should be anathema to Judaism, and its focus on repentance.
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