[Avodah] better to remain suspected of Safek Eishes Ish than prove ones innocence by another person to be shamed

[Meir Rabi]

Commenting on the Gem BMetzia 59a, the Ben Yehoyoda explains that it is
better to remain suspected of the Issur of Eishes Ish than prove ones
innocence by causing or by setting into motion elements that may cause,
another person to be shamed.
However, he differentiates between a Vaday or Safek Eishes Ish. One is
obligated [permitted?] to prove and promote his innocence if the suspicion
is of a Vaday nature but MuTav [preferred] not to if it is a Safek.

What is the difference?

And how does this square with the Gemara Berachos that teaches us from the
episode with Chana and Eli HaCohen, to actively defend our name and
reputation, which appears to apply even to circumstances of Safek?
Furthermore, Chana chastised Eli that he had done wrong by not judging her
righteously, he could have readily imagined that she was a depressed woman
in earnest prayer. According to some meforshim this exchange took place in
the presence of other people, (at least) Peninah in fact.


Meir Rabi
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