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Ruling: The mishna states: "The testimony of one who receives pay to testify is invalid" (Bechorot 29a). The reason the gemara gives is that it is forbidden to take money to do that which is a mitzva to do, such as testifying. Another factor is the possibility that the fact that one received money will cause him to lie.
Acharonim distinguish between two different scenarios. If the witness receives money based on the "success" of his testimony, he is completely one with an interest in his testimony and is invalid on the level of Torah law. If he receives money irrespective of his success, there is only a rabbinic disqualification, which is the subject of the mishna (Massat Binyamin 98). The K’tzot Hachoshen (34:4) has an interesting proof that the fact that a witness is paid does not mean that he is to be expected to lie. One who makes up lies about his wife’s fidelity is liable for the punishments mentioned in the Torah only if he paid the witnesses who testified against her. Yet the Torah says that if their report is true, then the woman is punished, which implies that the witnesses can still be valid until proven otherwise despite receiving money. Regarding receiving money, one should realize that one is allowed to be reimbursed for the money he lost by taking off time from work to testify.
The Rashba (III, 1) says that the case governed by the mishna is when one saw something of interest and then is paid to come testify about it, as he is halachically required to testify about what he specifically saw. However, one who agrees to go somewhere in order to witness something is allowed to take money to go to see. This is the case with private investigators.
The Netivot Hamishpat (34:10) says that the only way to justify a witness’ taking money is if he is paid by both sides. Otherwise, he is intrinsically invalid because he has an obligation toward the person who hired him.
In summary, if one is paid based on the results of his testimony, he is fully invalid. If he is paid for coming to tell what he saw no matter the result, he is rabbinically invalid. If he is paid in order to go and receive the information, it is permitted if paid by both sides and it is a dispute between the K’tzot Hachoshen and the Netivot Hamishpat if he is paid by one side. All of the above is in regard to testimony that is totally factual and is not related to one’s opinion on a matter. [The latter is the subject of the next edition.]
P'ninat Mishpat (829)
Various Rabbis
205 - The Picture of Competition – part I
206 - Expert Witnesses – part I
207 - Expert Witnesses
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Dividing Parents’ Resources when Mother Still Alive
based on ruling 82017 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: To Whom Do the Payments Go? – part I
based on ruling 81075 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: A Contractor’s Leaving the Job in the Middle – part I
based on ruling 84013 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Undoing a Problematic Partnership – part III
based on ruling 84061 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
