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However, the mishna (Sanhedrin 4:5) understands it in context of one who knows testimony on behalf of his friend but does want to go through the rigors of interrogation before beit din. According to this approach, it is a broadening of the Ten Commandments, where we find "Do not serve as a false witness against your friend." Here, we are commanded not to be a bad witness, even through inaction, by refusing to testify. Whether he refrains to save embarrassment, to avoid a fight, or for any other invalid reason, he will bear the sin. The sin is not limited to two witnesses, who are fully believed by beit din. Even one witness is required to testify, as his testimony can be of help; if he does not, he has a moral obligation to pay for the funds a litigant might have received as a result (Rambam, Edut 17:7).
However, according to this approach, what does the beginning of the pasuk, referring to hearing the voice of a curse, have to do with refusal to testify? Ibn Ezra explains that it refers to an ancient minhag. When authorities were unable to solve a case for lack of evidence, they would put a cherem on whoever knew information and did not testify. Whoever ignored the cherem, says the pasuk, would bear a sin.
As far as halacha is concerned, Chazal interpreted the pasuk differently. The mishna (Shvuot 4:3) says that it is referring to witnesses who denied knowing about the case and had an oath administered to them by the litigant, to which they answered amen falsely. In such a case they were obligated to bring a korban known as an oleh v’yored. This approach connects the beginning of the pasuk to its end and also explains why it is found in relation to korbanot.
This approach also shows a contrast between our legal process and those of other cultures. Many courts around the world make witnesses swear, before testifying, that they will tell the truth. This is unnecessary for us because we all have taken an oath at Sinai not to testify falsely. Oaths in court are used, according to the Torah, only for litigants to confirm their claims and by reluctant witnesses to make sure they agree to testify.
We conclude with a midrash and a pasuk related to our topic: "One who divides up with a thief hates his soul; he hears a curse and will not tell" (Mishlei 29:24). The midrash (Vayikra Rabba 6) says this refers to one who saw a theft and is promised money by the thief if he refrains from reporting him.
Let us pray for the renewal and improvement of a complete Torah judicial system.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
