{Rambam,} Hil. Sanhedrin 2:7:The main question of the article: is it possible to separate the content from the source? Should we listen to a smoking doctor? Should rabbis be held to higher standards than average (frum) people? What about frum people in general?
“[Choose] wise and understanding men, [known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you]” (Deut. 1:13) refers to those with wisdom; “known to the tribes” refers to those who are well regarded by others. How is it that they are well regarded? In that they are magnanimous, humble, and friendly, and their speech and dealings are pleasant.
When it also says, “[And you shall choose out of all the people] men of valor, [such as fear G-d, men of truth, hating unjust gain]” (Ex. 18:21), this refers to those who excel in [the observance of] the commandments, who set high personal standards [of behavior] and who control their evil inclinations, such that there is nothing about them that is objectionable, that they do not have bad reputations or unsavory histories.
Included in [the requirement of] “men of valor” are those who have the courage to save the oppressed from the hands of the oppressor, as it says, “And Moses arose and saved them” (Ex. 2:17). In addition, just as Moses was humble, so every judge must be humble; “G-d fearing,” as it implies; “hating unjust gain,” hastening after riches, even their own, and they do not run to amass wealth…; “men of truth” that they are personally motivated to pursue justice, love truth and hate violence, and flee from all kinds of immorality.
P.S. A riddle from Mottel with a nice video.
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