206. Apostates

Teshuvah 3:9

There are two types of apostates: an apostate to a single mitzvah and an apostate to the entire Torah. An apostate to a single mitzvah is a person who regularly commits a certain sin so that he is accustomed to it and it is publicly known. This is true even of a minor sin, such as a person who makes a habit of regularly wearing shaatnez or shaving off his sideburns, with the result that it appears that, to him, this mitzvah has been abolished. This person is considered an apostate to that mitzvah, though only if his intention is to rebel against God.

An apostate to the entire Torah is one who, when another religion imposes decrees against the Jews, says, “What’s the point in clinging to Judaism, which is persecuted? It would be better to turn to those who are in control!” and he embraces that other religion.

Teshuvah 3:10

Causing the masses to sin includes individuals who cause the people to commit serious sins as Jeroboam, Tzaddok and Beitus did. It also includes those who cause the people to commit a small sin, even ignoring a positive commandment. This categories includes both those who compel others to sin as Menashe did - he would kill Jews who refused to worship idols - and those who entice others into sin.