Weekly Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 26

January 6, 2022; Shevat 4, 5782

Halacha – Jewish Law Lying to Prevent Transgressions

If someone tries to prevent us from carrying out a Mitzvah we are allowed to lie if that will enable us to do the Mitzvah. The same is true regarding an Aveirah. If for example, someone is trying to elicit from us Loshon Hara or Rechilus, we may lie to prevent ourselves from transgressing the prohibition. However, when it is possible to sidestep the matter by saying something that can be construed in two ways, as opposed to saying an outright lie, that is always preferable.

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 25

December 30, 2021; Teves 26, 5782

Halacha – Jewish Law In last week’s newsletter*, we discussed the case of a Mishnah in Bava Metziah (Perek 6) of a homeowner (“Reuvain”) who hires a worker (“Shimon”) for let’s say $100 / hour, and then later Shimon changes his mind and does not want to work for Reuvain, unless he will pay him $200 / hour. Assuming that other workers are not readily available and Reuvain would incur a financial loss (Davar Ha’Avud) if the work is not performed on time, Reuvain can deceive Shimon and agree to pay $200 / hour and then at the job’s completion, pay him $100 / hour as per the initial agreement...

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Weekly Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 24

December 23, 2021; Teves 19, 5782

Halacha – Jewish Law Question: A homeowner (Reuvain) and a laborer (Shimon) agreed to perform services at $100 per hour. Subsequently, Shimon reneged on the deal and did not want to perform the services he contracted for. Assuming Reuvain cannot find others to perform the services and Reuvain will incur a loss if the services are not performed promptly (Davar Ha’Avud), is it permissible for Reuvain to promise Shimon $200 per hour, and after the job is completed to pay him $100 per hour, which was the amount of money agreed to initially?...

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