[Avodah] halachic attitude to the convicted

[Eli Turkel]

<<When Rav Lorenz told the story to the Steipler Rav, the Steipler
screamed, "A Jew who sins and repeats that sin, it is better that he be
punished in this world and not -- G-d forbid -- in the World to Come."
He explained, "The punishment in this world is minor compared to what
happens in the World to Come. Furthermore if you succeed in stopping the
jail sentence he will continue to repeatedly commit this crime. It is
better that he receive his punishment and perhaps learn
self-restraint...In addition if I give you permission and you testify
for his benefit it is obvious that every newspaper and all the public
media will publicize the matter and it will also be a chilul HaShem when
he sins again...">>

There is a similar story with RSZA with someone accused of smuggling diamonds
in teffilin. RSZA was asked about trying to help the man stay out of jail.
He said it was the greatest chillul hashem and that the man deserved
jail and should learn not to repeat such crimes


-- 
Eli Turkel