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...]
Corporate Hametz: What Business Owners Need to Know
By Dayan Shmuel Honigwachs There are numerous Pessah issues associated with businesses, some of which people may not even be aware of. To name just a few, one who sells food items through Amazon or on consignment, or owns a facility that serves Hametz, would be well advised to research the Halachic ramifications of these types of businesses. Selling Hametz on Amazon Buying … [Read more...]
A Surprise Surplus
What to Do with Leftover Tzedakka Funds / By Rabbi Yoel Y. Moore Purim is regarded by many charities, and individuals in need of assistance, as the most opportune time to raise funds for Tzeddaka. Organizations count on this season as everyone appropriates their Mahatzit HaShekel and Matanot La’Evyonim, and distribute them to the poor and various other causes. The giving isn’t … [Read more...]