Making or breaking a binding letter of understanding according to Halacha By Dayan Yehoshua Wolfe Businesses cannot run without a sense of certainty that deals or agreements between parties will not be suddenly aborted or changed. To secure this, businesses often rely on a letter of understanding, also known as a letter of intent, which is a formal text, commonly used to … [Read more...]
Tow-Away Zone
Parking on your neighbor’s property and adverse possession in Halacha By Rav Shlomo Cohen, Dayan at Ahavas Shalom, Yerushalayim, Author of Pure Money Good fences make good neighbors, as the old adage goes. When neighbors live in close proximity, there are times when clear property lines must be drawn. However, what happens when a neighbor steps over the line? Can a person … [Read more...]
Checks and Balances
Are bank accounts considered tangible assets or an outstanding loan to a financial institution? By Dayan Shmuel B. Honigwachs Loan or Deposit? Thanks to modern-day banking, most of us can rest assured that our savings will not be lost due to theft or other natural causes. In the US and elsewhere, the government puts our minds at an even greater ease by insuring a certain … [Read more...]
“Minor” Damages
Who is responsible to pay for damages caused by minors? By Dayan Yehoshua Grunwald The owner of a retail store must be vigilant to avoid damage to his merchandise by potential customers. This is especially true with regards to damage caused by children. Not only are children more likely to break and damage merchandise, there also may not be any party the owner may hold … [Read more...]
Bias in the Bet Din
To what extent would a relationship with a party recuse a judge from judging a case? By Rabbi Yosef Fund Judging vs. Testifying The Mishna[1] states in the name of Ribbi Yehudah, that a close friend – such as a Shushbin (member of wedding party similar to best man or bridesmaid) – may not bear witness for his friend, as is the case with an enemy who has not spoken to the … [Read more...]