Q&A: The big violent thief is donating a Torah scroll
The big violent thief is donating a Torah scroll
Question
The neighborhood’s violent and well-known thief is donating a Torah scroll to the central synagogue in memory of his mother’s soul.
His mother was upright and poor.
He is a rich thief and swindler, and all the neighbors know he is an unscrupulous con man.
Should one participate in the ceremony of bringing in the Torah scroll?
He is receiving honor for money that he steals from innocent people who fall into his net, newcomers and visitors.
True, there is an aspect of honoring the Torah,
but the Torah is ashamed of such a donor.
It is also very likely that he cheated and robbed the scribe, the woman who embroidered the curtain, the music for the procession, the catering at the meal, the waiters, and everything that moves.
Answer
I wouldn’t go. And it seems proper not to read from this scroll either (a commandment that comes through a transgression).
Discussion on Answer
That’s why I didn’t write that it is forbidden.
In my opinion, it is not certain that this is a commandment that comes through a transgression.
No person is 100% evil.
Maybe the Torah scroll that he bought was purchased with legitimate money that he has?