Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 7/29/2016, 6:38 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (4;8) says " He (Rabbi Yishmael) used to say don't judge by yourself as there is only one judge (G-d) who can judge by Himself".
Although there are certain types of cases where an expert judge can preside over the case alone, nevertheless the Mishna urges judges to not judge in this format. The reason is that there is only One, Hashem, who can judge alone.
The "Sefer HaChaim" explains that the reason one should not judge alone is because when he hears the claims of both parties he will perceive them through his own perspective. Since each person has a unique personality which includes their flaws and attributes they will automatically judge the case from their perspective by projecting their own way of thinking onto the two parties they are judging. If the judge has an extremely good heart he will assume that the actions of the plaintiff and defendant were driven by this same characteristic and he will render judgement under that assumption. The opposite is true as well, if he is mean spirited this will incline him to view their actions in the same way as well. If the judge refrains from presiding over a case alone though, he will have other opinions and perspectives from his fellow judges which should balance out his own preconceived notions and characteristics. Only Hashem who is free from the innate personality flaws and attributes can judge alone as He can understand the heart of man.
Although the mishna is speaking about actual court judgements I think this same idea can be applied in our everyday interpersonal relationships. We must understand whenever we see something or have some interaction with another person we always project our own characteristics and personality (good and bad) on the people around us. In many cases this causes much heartache and disappointment in our friends, coworkers and family. If we are kind and sympathetic then we assume everyone else is the same way and when they don't live up to our expectations this is very disappointing. If we are haughty and love honor then we assume the other person is the same way and we therefore automatically interpret all of their actions as a way to attain more honor. In most cases these judgements of ours are completely wrong and misguided.