Vayeishev 5775

We learn an important lesson from the story of Tamar and Yehuda. When Tamar is found to be pregnant from an illicit relationship, she is sentenced to death. She quickly sends a secret message to Yehuda, telling him that he is the father. He admits to this in public and she is spared. Based on Tamar's actions, the Gemara in Sotah (10b) teaches that it is better to throw yourself into a furnace than to embarrass your friend in public.