You shall not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind. (Leviticus 19:14)
Rabbi Wells says that at Creighton Prep we are not a judgemental people. We do not mock or insult students for any disabilities they may have (whether it be phsyical or academic.) We do not knock each other down. We, as students, in fact do the exact opposite of placing a stumbling block: we help our fellow classmates succeed. We offer advice and help to any who need. We admire classmates for their outstanding qualities rather than jeer at their weaknesses.
Rabbi Thompson for the most part agrees with Rabbi Wells but at the same time disagrees with some of his points. I agree with Rabbi Wells that Creighton Prep students help eachother succeed but I dont think that all of the students are non judgemental. We are not perfect and never will be perfect but as classmates, we try to help everybody although there are those kids that dont. We all just need to be strong and come together to make those kids who do not respect the disabled realize that there actions and words can cause serious damage to other people. Unfortanatly there are a few kids who do this but for the most part rabbi wells is correct when he says we help eachother succeed. We just need to help the people who poke fun at the disabled succeed in being better people at the same time.
Rabbi Negus completely agrees with Rabbi Wells. Rabbi Wells realizes that some people who have disibilities are often treated badly, and that we, as Creighton Prep students, have a responsibility to do the opposite. We have a duty to be kind and helpful to these people, not mean and hurtful.
Rabbi Thedinger says that at Prep, students often disrupt the classroom when they believe that the information is not important. Their knowledge of the subject makes them believe that they have to right to disrupt those who are attempting to learn. Those who understand the subject should not insult the people who do not understand (the blind) by placing obstacles (stumbling block) on their path to knowledge. When an understanding has been reached, sit quitely and allow others the opportunity to reach that same point.
Rabbi Negus says that this is very relevant to Creighton Prep students today because it is taking advantage of those with disibilities. It is intentionally hurting someone who unable to realize it. Just because they do not know, does not make it alright.
Rabi Eddie agrees with Rabbi Negus because we should not take advantage of those struggling. We should help them instead. We should also not take advantage of someone who does not realize whats going on. I totally agree with Rabbi Negus.
Rabbi Wells is in agreement with Rabbi Thedinger because it is true that in a classroom tensions can rise when there are disagreements between students. It is very wise for students to listen to their peers for they, in fact, can learn a lot from their own classmates.
Subtopic (Tertiary Response)
Rabbi Thompsons says that no matter what, it is the students of Creighton Preps responsibility to help everyone they know if they need help. No matter if someone has a disability or if you just dont like them, you should always treat others the way you would want someone to treat you. Making fun of someone does not make you cool, even though some people think it does. It is just a sign of weakness and with the right environment like prep, it is easy to change a mans mind and help them become respectful to everyone.
Rabbi Quint would afree with Rabbi Thompsons. Kicking those with disadvantages while they are down is completely opposed to the message of this passage and should be forbidden with the strictest punishments
Rabbi Quint would apply this passage to the classroom my interpreting the blind as those who do not yet have knowldege and a stumbling block as a wall of noise thrown up by an inattentive and conversive student. In short, one should not disrupt the classroom learning enviroment with distracting conversation
Rabbi Thedinger is in agreement with Rabbi Quint. Prep students who understand the information need to be Men for Others by creating a positive learning environment for those who are struggling.