Halacha & Hashkafa

Suffer The Thief ‘One Stole And Another Stole It From Him …’ (Bava Kamma 68a)

The two came before Rabbi Dayan.

Clearly, one’s liability for guarding the lost ring depends on the interpretation of the Talmudic dictum of osek bemitzvah.

A Tale Of Two Cities ‘The Destructive Force Does Not Distinguish Between Good And Evil’ (Bava Kamma 60a)

According to Rav Moshe Feinstein, the First Period commences on the morning of the Seventeenth of Tammuz rather than the night following the Sixteenth of Tammuz.

"Could you please take my wallet?" Menachem asked. "I have two thousand cash in it. Make sure to put it in the safe."

Napoleon said referring to the Jews, "Certainly a people which has mourned the loss of their Temple for so long, will merit to see it rebuilt!"

Who Permitted Eating Turkey? ‘Geese And Wild Geese Are Forbidden Together’ (Bava Kamma 55a)

"That's makes him a rasha [transgressor] who is disqualified from testifying."

"I have no way of paying you back in the near future," said Mr. Stein. "I have no more assets to sell."

All persons accused of murder were confined to the cities of refuge during their trial in the Sanhedrin.

Staying Alive Underwater ‘She Has Already Ascended’ (Bava Kamma 50a)

Honoring A Father’s Wishes ‘ He Shall Give It To Whom He Has Trespassed’ (Bava Kamma 40b)

Yehuda hit the brakes – but they didn't respond. He veered into the shoulder and crashed into the barrier.

A Matter of Anticipation ‘A Stone Flew From His Hand, And Another Put Out His Head From A Window …’ (Bava Kamma 33a)

When an illegal act incurs corporal punishment or lashes (malkot) and monetary liability, the rule of kam lei also applies.

After Mr. Weiser left, Mr. Lander opened the envelope. He counted the money and found $600. There were five one-hundred dollar bills and five twenties. "That's strange," Mr. Lander said. "He only owed $480."

Taking The Law Into One’s Own Hands ‘Break His Teeth And Tell Him I Am Taking Mine’ (Bava Kamma 27b)

Are all dogs inherently vicious? Is there such a thing as a tame dog?

After some deliberation, the judge dismissed the case. Mr. Braun walked out feeling great.

Is It Trespass? ‘Reuven Didn't Benefit And Shimon Didn't Lose’ (Bava Kamma 20a)

What is the nature of chetzi nezek? Is it compensation or is it a fine?

"I can't stop you from using the whole apartment," reasoned Moshe. "But if you're making money on it, I'm still a partner and entitled to half the amount!"

Limited Liability ‘It Excludes An Ox That Gored…’ (Baba Kamma 13b)

In the case of a loan, witnesses are not required to make the loan transaction legally effective. The loan can be legally effective without them.

Is It A Penalty? ‘Why Not Deal With False Evidence?’ (Bava Kamma 5a)

Mr. Abrams turned to Rabbi Dayan: "Whom should I honor with the bris?" he asked.

A Ruling Too Novel? ‘One Who Ate Nevelah On Yom Kippur Is Exempt’ (Kiddushin 77b)

"That happens," said Shaindy. "We're always breaking dishes in my house, too."

"I'm sure that if Maimonides, or Rabbi Yosef Karo lived today, they would say: We never wrote our codifications for a time when the State of Israel would be established."