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Why does the Torah (תורה) prohibit bribes even when the giver claims he only wants a fair judgment? The shiur explores how the most dangerous corruption comes not from obvious payoffs but from those who present themselves as righteous, wanting only justice. This subtle manipulation blinds judges by creating favorable impressions rather than direct influence.
The shiur examines the prohibition against taking bribes found in Parshas Shoftim, particularly focusing on cases where the bribe-giver claims to want only fair judgment rather than a favorable outcome. Rabbi Zweig argues that there are two levels of bribery prohibited by the Torah (תורה): the obvious case in Parshas Mishpatim where someone pays for a favorable verdict, and the more subtle case in Parshas Shoftim. The discussion centers on Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary explaining why even well-intentioned bribes corrupt judgment. Rashi states that once a judge accepts money from someone, he will inevitably search for ways to rule in that person's favor. Rabbi Zweig explores why this psychological reality holds true even when the giver explicitly states he wants to lose if he's wrong.
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Parshas Shoftim - bribery prohibition
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