1. Dan l’kaf Zekhut Judge Favorably
דָן לְכַּף זְכוּת
Dan l’kaf Zekhut
Judge Favorably
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2. דָן לְכַּף זְכוּת JudgeFavorably
Dan l’kaf zekhut means giving others the benefit of the doubt. This means looking for the positive instead of focusing on the negative.
When we give others the benefit of the doubt, we understand that while their behavior may look questionable to us, there may be another interpretation of their actions that is more favorable.
© 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz

3. How can we practice dan l’kaf zekhut?
When we meet someone new, how can we avoid being influenced by a first impression that may not be favorable?
How can we interpret the actions of others as positively as possible?
How can judging favorably help us avoid stereotyping others? Provide a real-life example.
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4. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
Hillel says… “Don’t judge people until you have been in their place.” (Pirkei Avot 2:5)
In what types of situations would this advice be most helpful? Provide real-life examples.
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5. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
“When someone who is known to be righteous and has a reputation for good deeds is seen doing an action that seems to be bad… and the only way of considering it good is through really stretching things and assuming a very remote possibility… it is still obligatory to interpret it as good based on that possibility.” (Maimonides, Commentary on Pirkei Avot 1:6)
What would be an example of “an action that seems to be bad” done by a good person? Come up with as many explanations as you can for how you might “consider it good.”
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6. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
“Unless one knows otherwise for sure, one should assume that other people’s actions are all good.” (Rashi on Pirkei Avot 1:6).
How could one know “for sure” that another’s action was bad? Give an example.
Why does Rashi say we should assume that other people’s actions are good, unless we know otherwise?
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7. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
“Do not look at the container, rather at what is inside of it.” (Pirkei Avot 4:27)
How does this lesson relate to judging others favorably?
Didn’t check source.
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8. Why is judging others favorably an important value?
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9. Has she got talent? Decide for yourself…
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10. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
Thought Questions
What were your first impressions of Susan Boyle? What changed as you listened to her sing?
Describe the judges’ and audience’s changing reactions to her performance.
Why should the audience—and perhaps we too—judge favorably even before a performer begins to sing?
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11. © 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz
Now it’s your turn…
Can you apply dan l’kaf zekhut to these situations?
A new student joins your class. She keeps to herself and doesn’t talk to anyone. Is she unfriendly?
You see a classmate reach into someone else’s backpack. Is he stealing?
You see a man with a kippah walking into a McDonald’s. Is he breaking the rules of kashrut?
What other explanations can you think of?
© 2011 Behrman House/Babaganewz