Posted on February 28, 2025 by Rabbi David Katz
We live in a time of suspiciousness, in particular, across our national political spectrum. Being suspicious is a natural human trait and probably evolved to help us survive. Still, it is dispiriting because deep down, our sense of well-being also depends on trusting others.
The Talmud recognizes how quick people are to think the worst of others, especially in matters of sex, money and power. When observing the behavior of others too we often presume we see the whole picture, filling in the details in our minds. And most often the person we are assessing comes out the worse for it.
Listen to this story from Tractate Shabbat. There are many lessons we learn from it:
Our Rabbis taught: The scholars were once in need of something from a noblewoman where all the great men of Rome were to be found. (meaning they were found in her bed chamber) Said they. ‘Who will go?’ ‘I will go,’ replied Rabbi Joshua. So Rabbi Joshua and his disciples went. When he reached the door of her house, he removed his tefillin at a distance of four cubits, entered, and shut the door in front of them. After he came out he descended, took a ritual bath, and studied with his disciples. Said he to them, ‘When I removed my tefillin, of what did you suspect me?’ ‘We thought, our Master reasons, “Let not sacred words enter a place of uncleanness.’ When I shut [the door], of what did you suspect me?’ ‘We thought, perhaps he has [to discuss] an affair of State with her.’ ‘When I descended and had a ritual bath, of what did you suspect me?’ ‘We thought, perhaps some spittle spurted from her mouth upon the Rabbi’ s garments.’ ‘By the [Temple] Service!’ exclaimed he to them, ‘it was exactly so; and just as you judged me favorably, so may the Omnipresent judge you favorably.’ (Shab. 127b)
What do we learn from this tale? First, that what we see is not the entire picture. Second, it is meritorious to think the best of others, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Third, though we naturally think of ourselves as being the judge, we too, are being judged… and we should not forget that.
Our nation’s history began as a revolution against royal authority and our foundational documents establish checks and balances, which can decrease suspiciousness by distributing power equitably. In our private affairs however, we are mostly on our own when it comes to judging others. Let’s do so with a generous spirit. That’s what our tradition teaches.
L’shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
