About this episode
The gemara explains the importance of trying to prevent others from sinning, even if you know they won't listen to you. We have a communal responsibility to others - both leaders and individuals are responsible for others. Rav Ami says that people only die or are punished for their own sins, not the sins of others. The gemara brings several braitot that seem to contradict. Rav Shmuel bar Nachmani saya in the name of Rabbi Yonatan that Reuven did not actually sleep with Bilhah - if so, why does it say he did? The sons of Ely didn't really sleep with other women - if so, why does it say they did?