출애굽기 2:15의 Halakhah

This harsh approach to mesirah is quite understandable when one considers the history of mesirah. Classic examples include the Jews who informed Paroh of Moshe Rabbenu’s killing the Mitzri (see Rashi to Shemot 2:15 s.v. VaYishma Paroh) and the Jew who informed the Roman government of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai’s mild criticism of the Roman government (see Shabbat 33b). Both Moshe Rabbeinu and Rabi Shimon bar Yochai were forced into hiding for very long periods of time to save their lives. The long and damaging history of Jewish informers through the twentieth century is chronicled in the Encyclopedia Judaica’s entry on “Informers.” Informers have done incalculable damage to individuals Jews as well as Jewish communities during the past two thousand years. They have cost lives and caused irreparable harm to countless individuals and communities. The moser is treated so harshly, explain the Gra (Bei’ur Hagra, C.M. 388:59) and the Sema (388:29), since he is classified as a rodeif (one who attempts to kill another).