Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZT”L (1910–2012) was one of the most influential Halachic authorities of the twentieth century, serving for decades as the preeminent Posek in Jerusalem. His rulings on matters of Jewish law were sought by individuals and communities worldwide, and he was revered for his encyclopedic mastery of Talmud and Halacha as well as his legendary personal integrity.
In the 1980s, a wealthy businessman visited Rabbi Elyashiv seeking his Halachic opinion about a complex business dispute with another party. Before he began presenting his question, he discreetly placed a large envelope of cash on the table near the rabbi, intended as a donation that would, he hoped, create some goodwill and assist in receiving a favorable Halachic opinion.
Rabbi Elyashiv immediately understood the situation. Without raising his voice, Rabbi Elyashiv pushed the envelope back across the table and said, "If you leave this here, I am Halachically forbidden to hear your question."
The man protested. "This is not a bribe, it is just a donation to Tzedakah!"
Rabbi Elyashiv replied calmly, "If I accept anything from you, even for charity, I cannot provide an opinion on your case. The Torah commands, 'Lo sikach shochad,' do not take a gift. A gift, even without conditions, affects judgment. If you want to donate, give it to any institution, but I cannot hear your question until it is entirely unconnected to me."
The man picked up the envelope and put it away. Only then did Rabbi Elyashiv allow him to present his question.
It is important to note that this consultation was not a formal Din Torah, a binding arbitration between two disputing parties. The businessman came alone to ask a halachic question regarding his business dealings. Since the other party involved in the matter was not present and had not agreed to submit the dispute to Rabbi Elyashiv for adjudication, any opinion that he would issue would not be binding. The opposing party would have no Halachic obligation to follow Rabbi Elyashiv's opinion, as they had never accepted him as their arbiter. Nevertheless, Rabbi Elyashiv maintained the same exacting standards of impartiality that would apply in a formal court proceeding. Even when offering a non-binding Halachic opinion, he refused to allow any factor that might compromise the purity of his judgment.
