DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 532 KB)
The Disqualification of “Shameless” People From Serving as Witnesses

Among the groups of people whom Halacha disqualifies from serving as witnesses is that of "Bezuyim," meaning, people who act in a self-degrading, shameless manner. Such people are disqualified from serving as witnesses "Mi’de’rabbanan" (by force of Rabbinic enactment).

An example of this kind of character is somebody who regularly eats full meals while walking through the street. Eating meals – such as a sandwich, or pizza – while walking through the street is considered undignified, and reflects a lack of self-respect. Therefore, somebody who conducts himself in this manner on a regular basis may not serve as a witness. This also applies to people who do not wear proper clothing outdoors, while they work or conduct their personal affairs. Such people who show no concern for their personal dignity are looked upon not as people, but as animals. As such, we cannot trust them to speak truthfully in court, and they are therefore disqualified from serving as witnesses.

This reminds us of the importance of selecting as witnesses (such as at weddings and the like) people who maintain high standards of ethical and refined conduct. Even those who do not commit specific Torah violations are unsuitable for this role if they regularly act in an unbecoming and undignified manner.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
A Woman's Obligations When the Torah is Removed From the Heichal and During Torah Reading
Bringing Young Girls to the Synagogue
Must a Married Woman Cover Her Hair?
May one use Moist Towelettes for Mayim Aharonim?
How To Do Birkat Kohanim When There Are Only Kohanim Present In Shul
Do We Believe Somebody Who Says He’s a Kohen?
Must a Kohen Wash for Birkat Kohanim if He Had Already Washed Earlier
Wearing Tefillin at Minha on a Fast Day
May One Make a Bar Misva Celebration the Night Before a Fast Day?
Keeping Bread on the Table During Birkat Hamazon
The Status of Water Condensation Regarding Berachot, Mayim Acharonim and Shabbat
Mayim Acharonim- A Foul Spirit ?
The Obligation to Drive Responsibly
May a Third Party Pay Somebody to Lend Money to His Fellow?
May a Lender Charge the Borrower for Expenses Incurred as a Result of the Loan?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found