By Shalhevet Cohen
An epidemic is plaguing Yeshiva University. It is not unique to our institution, yet it is shocking that we are part of this global trend. Cheating runs abound in both secular and Judaic classes, infecting all demographics of students.
Coined by President Berman as “The Final Exam,” Chazal teach us how we will be judged at the end of life. In Maseches Shabbos 31a, Rava lists six questions G-d will ask us in Olam HaBa (the world to come) to determine how we led our lives. This includes interactions with our family, time spent learning Torah, and our level of anticipation for Mashiach. Yet, out of all these critical assessments, they are not asked first. Rather, the first assessment is, “Did you conduct business faithfully?” Can our students answer this question with a resounding yes?
The fact that this is even an uncertainty requires deep introspection on the part of every student and our institution’s leaders. Why, in a university that is centered around a Torah lifestyle, is this core value treaded upon? How do halachically observant Jews somehow convince themselves that cheating is okay? I would argue that those Jews are in fact not halachically observant.
Cheating, whether in school, business, or other areas, violates multiple prohibitions. Rav Moshe Feinstein clearly states that cheating violates the prohibitions of genivas da’at – misleading – and genivas mamon – monetary theft. Every dollar earned by someone who cheated in their academics is considered to be stolen (see Igros Moshe C”M 2, 30). Furthermore, the Shevet HaLevi cites another prohibition violated through cheating: lying. Elaborating upon the gravity of this transgression, the Shevet HaLevi describes the negative consequences of acting in this manner. Regulating oneself to cheating will permeate into their character, resulting in a deceitful character (see SHU”T Shevet HaLevi 10, 163).
Cheating violates multiple prohibitions and creates an unethical, untasteful character. Perhaps worst of all, cheating creates a chilul Hashem, a desecration of G-d’s name. G-d signs His name with the word emet, truth. Participating in deceitful activities runs completely contrary to G-d’s will.
As a Jewish institution representing Torah values, we must be ethical and moral examples for the rest of the world. We must be vigilant to follow in Hashem’s ways and not fall into the trap of taking the “easy way out.” Our mission as Jews is to represent Hashem in this world; we must personify truth. Every student must carefully reflect on their own actions and whether they align with Hashem’s will. Can you answer Hashem’s question with a resounding “yes”? After all, cheating on the Final Exam is impossible.