Parshas Shoftim: The Alter Of Novhardok - A Good Steak Changes Everything
"Ki HaShochad Yi'Aver Einei Chachomim", because bribery blinds the eyes of the wise (Shoftim 16:19). Chazal warn us that the smallest favor can blind the smartest and greatest tzaddik in his judgement of a fellow Jew even if he is in no way corrupt.
Rav Moshe Shternbuch brings the following story with the Alter of Novhardok whose deep understanding of the human psyche unmasked a person slandering his friend. A person once came to the Alter of Novhardok and told him that the Shochet in town is not a Yiras Shamayim and his Shchita should be pasul. The Alter explained to him that since his testimony does not reach the bar to remove the Shochet from his position, the Shochet can remain. However there is a rule of "Shavya Anafshei K'Chaticha D'Isura", meaning that since in the witnesses own words the Shochet is pasul, he may not eat from his shchita, although the general public may continue to do so. Suddenly the person started backtracking saying that he never meant to say that he was pasul, only to check into his behavior and/or to search for a better shochet etc., etc.
From here said the Alter we learn that when a person wants to be a Kana'i he is prepared to destroy another Jew, but not his next meal. When his food is at stake the truth suddenly appears otherwise.
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