<BODY><P>I can't recall seeing the following explanation of the mishna anywhere else. If anyone knows of someone else who says the following, I'd appreciate his pointing it out on this forum.</P>
<P>The mishna says "V'hevi dan et kol haadam l'kaf zchut". This is usually taken to mean "Judge everyone favorably." However, one may inquire why instead of the word "adam" (cf "Eizehu chacham? Halomed mikol adam"). , the mishna writes "haadam". It is possible to say that when considering our relation to someone, and evaluating his actions, one should take into consideration the totality of his actions ("kol haadam", all of the person), and thus reach a favorable conclusion. </P>
<P>Indeed Beit Din, when judging someone, must look only at the case at hand; other actions of the defendent are strictly not to be taken into account in the court's decision. However, when *we* see our "less frum" neighbors doing something we deem improper, we should try to consider the other zchuyot that person has, the mitzvot that he does do with care, the "kol haadam", and thus judge him l'kaf zchut.</P>
<P>Saul Mashbaum</P>
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