Rabbi Akiva heard that one of his students had become
ill. Yet, none of the sages went to
visit him. Perhaps, they figured, “Why should
they? He was just a student.” If, on
the other hand, it was a teacher, everyone would go.
Akiva went to the student and while he visited, the sage
swept out his room.
The student recovered and said, “Master, you have restored to
me life.”
So it is taught, “Those who do not visit the sick may be
guilty of spilling blood.” -Nedarim 30
Two powerful lessons:
1. We are responsible for all not matter how influential of invisible.
2. Ignoring the call is also an action. Doing nothing is a choice which involves culpability.
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