In the portion of Kedoshim, we read the words, Betzedek tishpot amitecha, “You shall judge your fellow with righteousness.”
Rashi, the foremost Biblical commentator, first provides the simple analysis, which is that judges must rule righteously, without being swayed by any other considerations. In fact, the full title of a beth din, a Jewish court, is not only beth din, a “house of law,” but beth din tzedek, a “house of just law.” The law must be just, fair, and objective—otherwise the court itself is not doing justice.
But then Rashi adds a second interpretation, relevant not only for the judiciary but for all of us. “Another explanation is: Judge your fellow favorably” (i.e., give the benefit of the doubt).
The moral imperative to judge people favorably by giving them the benefit of the doubt is discussed in the Talmud, Ethics of the Fathers, and many other Jewish sources.
I wondered what the connection might be to Kedoshim, a Torah portion dealing with the overall directive to be holy. And it occurred to me that perhaps it might be because, in fact, all of us are holy, but too often, people are misjudged and condemned before we have all the facts at our disposal. There are so many stories expressing this theme that we could go on forever, but let me share a few.
It’s all about perspective and giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Over 200 years ago, the holy Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev became famous for the lengths he would go to consider others favorably. Of the many stories that highlight his benevolent, non-judgmental attitude, one of my favorites is of his encounter with a young man outside shul on the holiest day of Yom Kippur. This strapping young man was eating publicly, in brazen violation of the fast.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak said, “I’m sorry to see that you’re obviously not feeling well, and you had to break your fast. I wish you better.”
“I’m fine, Rabbi. I couldn’t be healthier,” replied the young man.
“Well then, perhaps you forgot that today is Yom Kippur?”
“Who doesn’t know that today is Yom Kippur, Rabbi?!”
“And are you also aware that Yom Kippur is a fast day, and we are not permitted to eat today?”
“Of course, I know! Which Jew doesn’t know that, Rabbi?!”
Hearing this, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak looked heavenward and exclaimed, “Master of the Universe, see how righteous are your people, Israel. I have given this young man so many opportunities, but he absolutely refuses to tell a lie!”
All are innately holy, but how we judge them may make all the difference. I know it’s not easy, but if we look at others favorably, then we ourselves will be behaving in a holy way, and this will bring out that innate holiness inside them.
Moreover, our rabbis taught: One who judges his friend favorably will himself be judged by G‑d favorably.
-adapted from www.chabad.org
