Halacha & Hashkafa

A defendant who is faced with one witness who testifies that he borrowed money is allowed to swear that he never borrowed any money and receive judgment in his favor.

Law Of Averages ‘Catacombs Are Four Cubits Long’ (Bava Basra 100b)

The behavior of Rabbi Akiva’s students left them particularly vulnerable between Pesach and Shavuot since this period is a time of celestial judgment.

Consequential Limitations ‘Seeds That Did Not Sprout’ (Bava Basra 92a)

He considers it direct damage and writes that even a guardian who is exempt from negligence [e.g., be'alav imo] or even a person who is not a guardian, is liable in such a case.

Whereas one week is sufficient to restore an individual to his natural state of divine purity, the entire nation required seven weeks.

The Torah believes the testimony of one witness that the defendant does not deny under oath – as if it were the testimony of two witnesses.

Rabbi Nechunia’s Prayer ‘ Even So, An Actual Incident Is Greater’ (Bava Basra 83a)

After a couple of hours in the kitchen, the meat was on the fire, the chicken in the oven, and some kugels already out on the table.

In order for an admission of a debt or for the forgiveness of a debt to be effective, it must be accompanied by some overt manifestation of serious intent.

On Chol HaMoed some work is prohibited and some is permitted. According to some opinions, the work prohibition is biblical; according to others, it’s rabbinical.

An Implacable Foe ‘Therefore Those Who Speak In Parables Say…’ (Bava Basra 78b)

If the chametz has already been legally nullified and physically burned, so that it is neither owned nor possessed by a Jew, why is it necessary to sell it to a non‑Jew?

Mr. Leiner checked the calendar, and saw that April 13 came out on Chol HaMoed. I was considering taking off that day, Mr. Leiner told his boss.

In all of these situations, the person volunteering the admission is exempt from any payment.

This is one of those posts that falls into the category of “If only I had the power to……..”

The reason the defendant must pay the money or return the item if he admits that he borrowed the money, stole it, or had something of value deposited with him but does not know whether he repaid the money or gave the item back, is as follows.

Must A Typical Sale Be Generous? ‘A Seller Sells Generously’ (Bava Basra 71a)

Glass cannot be kashered or used at all on Pesach because it is made of sand and is halachically considered earthenware.

Mr. Taub tried a few more times to contact Benjy, but was unsuccessful.

I can't accept that, said Mr. Mann. If you are not willing to honor the contract, we need to take up the issue in beis din.

Hung Out To Dry ‘A Roof With A Parapet 10 Tefachim High Is Not Included’ (Bava Basra 63b-64a)

If chametz became mixed with non-chametz on Pesach, the mixture is prohibited on Pesach even if the ratio of the permitted non‑chametz to the forbidden chametz is 1,000 to 1.

So too a person who admits he stole part of the money claimed, or who is confronted by only one witness who testifies to the theft, remains eligible to take an oath.

A Matter Of Priority ‘Lands Shown By Hashem To Moses Are Subject To Tithes’ (Bava Basra 56a)

The fact that two witnesses testify that the defendant borrowed the amount in dispute from the plaintiff does not discredit the defendant or disqualify him from taking the Shevuat Heiset oath of denial.

The prohibition of chametz on Pesach means that chametz may not be eaten or enjoyed, may not be owned or possessed, and must be removed from one's premises.

In addition, a customer who had been negotiating to buy Mr. Weiner's house managed to convince him to sign a sales contract for significantly less than he had initially asked for.

The irrevocable consequences of taking a false Modeh Bemiktztat oath of partial admission would deter him from employing such delay tactics.

Barry brought over the motorized bike, and Saul put it away in a spare room. A month later, Barry returned. A week passed and he did not come to pick up his bike.