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“You shall not move a boundary of your fellow.” (19:14)

It is forbidden to increase one’s property at the expense of one’s neighbor. A simple law, which is really common sense. Yet, we find hasogas gvul to be a common malady, whether it is in business or in any other endeavor. For some reason, when one Jew is doing something and doing it well, soon he will have a competitor down the block, doing the same thing. The following story, although it does not condone the inappropriate actions of Jew versus Jew, does offer rationale for the offensive behavior. Horav Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, z.l., the distinguished rav of Kovno, was…

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“You shall not take notice of someone’s presence.” (16:19)

Everyone must be treated fairly and equally. This idea does not apply exclusively to a court of law. A sickness prevails in a society in which we favor one person over another. In some cases, it is their pedigree; in others, it is their material wealth, or it is simply what we personally can benefit from them. As a judge should not favor one litigant over another, so, too, should we not treat one Jew differently from another. Horav David, z.l., m’Lelov was once traveling with the Yehudi HaKadosh, z.l., m’Peshischa to raise funds for charity. They came to the home…

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“Judges and officers shall you appoint.” (16:18)

Jewish leadership has to be strong – yet flexible. Compassion for, and sensitivity to all Jews are prerequisites for leadership. Strength of character  and  fear  of  no  man  are  just  as  essential.  The following narratives demonstrate these two inimical qualities which were the hallmarks of two Torah leaders. Horav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, z.l., was a talmid chacham without peer. Yet, he had no problem performing the most menial task if it would help another Jew – regardless of his age or station in life. Rav Yosef Chaim was once late in returning home from Shacharis. This was an anomaly, since he was…

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“Judges and officers shall you appoint.” (16:18)

Whichever title we choose to apply – judge, leader, rav – the spiritual leader and arbiter of Jewish Law has to fulfill certain criteria. Thorough knowledge of the law is only one; it’s the beginning of the many attributes he must possess. The Yerushalmi in Meseches Sanhedrin 1:4 details some of the other virtues inherent in a dayan who sits on the Bais Din situated on Har HaBayis: chacham, wise; anav, humble; shafui, modest, deferring to those greater than he; ayin tovah, benevolent eye; nefesh shfalah, humble spirited; ruach nemuchah, lowly/humble spirit – patient; lev tov, good heart; yetzer tov, good…

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