Group None

He who has sinned in a matter and others are suspected (of it), must say, “I am the one that has sinned,” in order that the world not sin because of him in suspecting the innocent.1Yoma 19b; Shabbath 149b. And if he be in the company of people and something improper is done and it is not known who is the sinner, he must say, “I am the one that has sinned,” even though he did not sin. For through his confession the sinner will not be shamed, as it happened with Rabbi Meir, “It happened with a certain woman who came to the academy of Rabbi Meir that she said to them, “One of you betrothed me with intercourse.” Rabbi Meir stood up and wrote a divorce document and gave it to her and so did all.2Sanhedrin 11a. And he who confesses for others is able to say, “We have sinned,” and to include himself with them because all Israelites are guarantors for each other.3Shebuoth 39a. And if he saw people sinning and did not reprove them he should confess even though he did not sin.4Shabbath 54b. And when he confesses let him recall all of his sins as they are. If he does not repent of a part of his transgressions let him say, “You are our Creator and You know our inclinations and You will humble the passions of our heart and circumcize our uncircumcision that our neck be not stiffened any more.”