Maris Ayin - Violation Overlap

QUESTION: We explained previously that chashad means that one may not do something which will cause others to suspect him of sinning, even when there is no concern that it will lead others to sin, and maris ayin means doing something which might lead others to sin. If so, isn’t every situation of maris ayin also a violation of chashad?

ANSWER: Igros Moshe (OC II:40) writes that there are situations where chashad – causing others to suspect one of sinning – does not apply, yet the situation is forbidden because of maris ayin – doing something which may lead others to sin. Chashad applies only in situations where there is a clear appearance of impropriety. However, if the situation can be construed in more than one way, even though it is more likely to be interpreted negatively, there is no violation of chashad. However, there can still be a violation of maris ayin. Maris ayin refers to situations where your action might cause others to stumble. Because of the severity of causing another Jew to sin, even if your action can be interpreted innocently, if it is more likely to be understood as a sin it is forbidden. Only if the action can be interpreted equally for good or for bad will maris ayin not apply. (This is probably due to one’s obligation to give a fellow Jew the benefit of the doubt.)  

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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.