Maris Ayin - Meaning

QUESTION: The Talmud often uses the terms “maris ayin” and “chashad.” What do these terms mean, and how do they differ from each other?

ANSWER: Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l (Igros Moshe (OC II:40) defines maris ayin (literally, “appearance to the eye”) as the prohibition against giving the impression that one is doing something wrong when it may influence others to sin as well. Chashad (literally, “suspicion”) is the prohibition of causing others to suspect one of wrongdoing, even when it will not cause others to sin. The mere appearance of impropriety is also forbidden. This is derived from the verse in Bamidbar (32:22), “And you shall be clear before Hashem and before Yisroel.” The tribes of Gad and Reuven wanted to remain on the east bank of the Jordan. Moshe told them that if they would join the other tribes in conquering the land, they will have fulfilled their obligation and “be clear before Hashem and before Yisroel.” “Before Yisroel” indicates that a person must be concerned about human perception. The Mishnah (Avoda Zara 11b) states that one is not permitted to follow a path that is designated as an entrance to a temple of idolatry. Rashi writes that this is because of chashad. Igros Moshe explains that maris ayin does not apply in this case, because there is no concern that a Jew will be easily influenced to worship idolatry. Yet, it is still forbidden to take the path towards the idol because of chashad—arousing suspicion about one’s own behavior. 

____________________________________________________

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.