The source to be Dan L'Caf Zechut

Question

From where do we know that one must be "dan" someone "l'caf zechut"? (that we must judge someone favorably even though from a certain act it might seem they are doing something?

Related: http://judaism.stackexchange.com/q/14694/3 – WAF Jan 06 '13 at 16:46 — WAF, Jan 06 '13 at 16:46

score 8 · Answer 1 · edited Jun 16 '20 at 10:41

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In Pirkei Avos 1:7:

יהושע בן פרחיה אומר, עשה לך רב, וקנה לך חבר יג, והוי דן את כל האדם לכף זכות.‏

Joshua the son of Perachia would say: Assume for yourself a master, acquire for yourself a friend, and judge every man to the side of merit.

edited Jun 16 '20 at 10:41

Community

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answered Jan 06 '13 at 15:47

Binyomin Trager

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Sounds more like good advice than an obligation. – Double AA Jan 06 '13 at 22:56

score 7 · Accepted Answer · edited Jan 06 '13 at 16:03

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The Gemora (Shavuos 30a) derives from the verse (Vayikra 19:15) "בצדק תשפוט עמיתך" ("You shall judge your fellow with righteousness") that one should judge others favorably.

edited Jan 06 '13 at 16:03

Double AA

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answered Jan 06 '13 at 10:42

Michoel

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The source to be Dan L'Caf Zechut

2 Answers2