Parsha Achrei Mot-Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27)

Double Parsha: Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

Day 5: Leviticus 19:15-32

(Study Notes)

(Leviticus 19:15)

Hashem commands that His kedoshim should not render unfair decisions in any matter. Neither the poor nor the rich should be favored in judgments neither should the poor nor the rich be shown deferential treatment.

Showing deferential (or more respect) to the wealthy in judgment is strictly prohibited in Torah—this prohibition is tied with the command not to take bribes in order to favor the wealthy in decisions.

Leviticus 19:15-32

לֹא־תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֙וֶל֙ בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי־דָ֔ל וְלֹ֥א תֶהְדַּ֖ר פְּנֵ֣י גָד֑וֹל בְּצֶ֖דֶק תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט עֲמִיתֶֽךָ׃

15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor favour the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

לֹא־תֵלֵ֤ךְ רָכִיל֙ בְּעַמֶּ֔יךָ לֹ֥א תַעֲמֹ֖ד עַל־דַּ֣ם רֵעֶ֑ךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃

16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people; neither shalt thou stand idly by the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

לֹֽא־תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא־תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא׃