Reproof in Our Times
Question
Is there an obligation of rebuke (tochacha) in our times?
Answer
Only someone who knows himself that he knows how to rebuke is obligated to rebuke. But generally in our times [even more than in the time of the Shulchan Aruch] most people do not know how to rebuke properly.
All the detailed laws explained in the Shulchan Aruch (siman 608), where several particulars were ruled regarding the obligation of rebuke, clarify that even in our times there is an obligation of rebuke, namely only when one knows how to rebuke.
Source
It is explained in the Gemara (Erachin 16): “I am astonished if there is in this generation anyone who knows how to rebuke.”
And even though in the Shulchan Aruch, siman 608, the obligation of rebuke is ruled even in our times, it appears that this is in accordance with the above Gemara; therefore, the obligation of rebuke rests only on one who knows how to rebuke, and it is regarding this that the detailed laws stated there in the Shulchan Aruch were said.
See Ketar Rosh, letter 143; and Chazon Ish, Yoreh De’ah, siman 2, se’if katan 28; and Biur Halakha there, s.v. “chayav lehokhicho”.
