Q. I own a Kosher restaurant in a small town. The Kashruth certification is given by the local Rabbi. Is it correct for me to pay for that service directly to the Rabbi, as there is practically no other way to do it? Could this be interpreted as a case of potential bribery. since he would not be paid if he declares the place not Kosher?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion based on the Chazon Ish (Emuna U’Bitachon (3: 30), would indeed permit doing so, as the prohibition of Shochad or bribery that blind the eyes of the wise, and carries a most impure power (Koach HaTum’ah) applies basically to a Beis Din monetary litigation between two parts.
The Chazon Ish thus explains how anyone can follow a lenient Halacha decision he reads on the Mishna Berura or similar seforim, and applies it to his everyday shailes, when it may involve costs, effort or exertion. If he is truthful, he doesn't have to be concerned maybe he is deciding wrong even if after all there is blinding bribery involved in his decision.
The Rov further explained that monetary disputes between two or more sides, involve more powerful interests and profound involvement, than other issues.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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