Halachic Considerations of Hiring: Employee Compensation & Minhag HaMedina By Dayan Yehoshua Wolfe In our last article, we discussed the differences between a “S’chir Yom” – day laborer – referred to in American law as an “employee”, and a “Po’el Kablan” – a contractor – referred to in American law as an “independent contractor”. In this article, we will discuss the … [Read more...]

The Halachic Considerations of Hiring - Part 1 By Dayan Yehoshua Wolfe As giddy graduates enter the workforce, employers are not only tasked with finding the best match for their businesses, but also with determining how to structure their employment. Parashat Behar is a most fitting time to discuss employment-related issues, as the Torah issues the guiding principle of … [Read more...]

Giving Tzedakka to Shul Solicitors By Rav Yehonatan Sasportas Q: Am I required to contribute to a poor man soliciting funds in shul if I wasn't personally asked for a donation or if I am in the middle of my Tefilla? A: The Mitzvah of Tzedakka comprises both a negative and a positive commandment. The Torah (Devarim 15, 7-8) says “Lo Te'ametz” – “you shall not harden your … [Read more...]

Are you allowed to use an item that you intend to return? By Dayan Yehoshua Grunwald As we discussed in previous articles, sometimes the buyer has the right to return an item to the seller while, at times, it may be subject to the seller’s discretion. An important discussion regarding an item that is bound for return as it was a Mekah Ta’ut – a mistaken purchase – pertains to … [Read more...]