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...]
The Over-Excitable Purchasing Agent
Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Richard glanced at the bill of lading. It seemed like the same type of products the company usually ordered, but the quantity seemed a bit off. He ran over to Bobby and remarked, “I know we need the bolts for the piping we manufacture, but 200,000 of them? It seems to be a bit much, doesn't it?” Bobby took one look at the number and quickly went, … [Read more...]
The Death Tax
Keeping the Money in the Family / Adapted by Rabbi Ariel Ovadia In case you haven’t heard, the federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax (collectively known as the “death tax”) turned 100 this month. The United States death tax is liable on estates above a “standard deduction” of about $5.4 million ($10.8 million if a surviving spouse passes). The top death … [Read more...]
Phantom Ticket Sales
Making a profit off what you don’t own / by Rabbi David Markin Case: Reuven held two tickets to a sold-out event – which did not belong to him – with a face value of $50. Upon seeing the tickets in Reuven’s hand, Shimon, who was looking to attend the event, readily offered him $150 for per ticket. Reuven accepted the offer and did not inform the prospective buyer that the … [Read more...]
Slaving Away: Modern Issues of Slavery in Halacha
By Dayan Yehonatan D. Hool, Yerushalayim "For the Children of Israel are servants unto me, they are my servants, whom I took out of Egypt"[1]. Our miraculous liberation from the bondage of Egypt by the Almighty, was for the purpose of serving Hashem alone. The Gemara[2] derives from this verse, that we are commanded not to enslave ourselves ever again, even to a fellow … [Read more...]