Kosher Questions
When Ben & Jerry’s announced a few years ago that they would stop selling their ice cream in certain parts of Israel, many kosher supermarkets and community organizations in the diaspora initiated a counter-boycott…
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Money and Business
Business Ethics
Honesty in business, ona'ah, competition and fair dealing.
A Matter of Opinion
Rav Huna was a learned and revered talmid chochom, yet he grappled with the harsh realities of poverty, straining to support his beloved family.
A Sea-rious Story
The following is a dramatized version of a true story. Over time, the populace of a certain town noticed that there was something fishy about the price of fish. It kept floating higher, not the typical ebb and flow.
In All Honesty
The Gemara states that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai was actively involved in business for forty years. Undoubtedly, during those years, he understood all the deceptive tactics that an unscrupulous dealer may employ.
Gold Overboard
Yehuda and Tzvi are traveling together on a ship. Unfortunately, they hit turbulent weather and stormy seas. Yehuda is forced to throw his gold bars into the sea to lighten the boat’s load.
Sweet and Salty
The following is based on a true story. Chaim the Customer: Shaya, do you have any sugar in stock? Shaya the Shopkeeper: Sure, and it’s on sale today! Chaim: Sweet! I’d like 5 pounds, please.
Can You Save Me a Seat?
The following article is based on Gittin (11b-12a) and Chashukei Chemed on Bava Metzia (10a). The article is intended to engender discussion and not to provide halachic guidance.
Something Fishy
It is a staple at most Shabbos tables: fish. Gefilte fish is most popular, but other varieties persist as well. The prices of fish along with many other staples have risen modestly recently.
Out of Order
It’s time to dust off Mesechta Rosh Hashana. The Daf will be finishing with Mesechta Beitza shortly. Someone studying the Daf with an Artscroll Shas will find nothing amiss.
How Far Would You Go for Cocoa Bombs?
Some may know of the latest food craze, hot cocoa bombs. There is something people find comforting about dropping these bombs in hot milk, watching them “explode,” thereby releasing their hot cocoa mix and marshmallows.
A Grab Bag Of Halachos
The Gemara states that the sister of Rav Tovi bar Rav Masnah, while on her deathbed, signed away all of her property to him. Rav Achadvoi, Rav Tovi’s brother, complained to his sister: “If you give away all your…
Schooled On The Competition
The Five Towns area has been blessed with wonderful schools. Recently it was announced that possibly two new boys’ elementary schools may be opening in our neighborhood.
Step Up Your Tefillos
Some things just never change. When someone joins a weight-loss group, some people ask, “Can’t you just diet by yourself?” When someone sees a nutritionist, some people ask, “Can’t you just eat healthy?” The presumption…
Like Father, Like Son
Rebbe Yochanan says that a person should not deviate from his own trade or the trade of his fathers (Arachin 16b). The Gemara often offers Torah-based advice regarding how one should conduct himself in his affairs.
One, Two, Three Years You're Out At The Old Ball Game
For a while there has been a prevailing theory in the sports world that it's worth it to lock a budding star into a long-term contract before his value escalates.
Gemara stories on Business Ethics
Rav Safra Keeps the Price He Agreed to in His Heart
A customer keeps raising his offer while Rav Safra silently recites Shema, but Rav Safra sells at the first price, which he had already accepted in his mind.
The Tzemach Tzedek and the Price of Shabbos Fish
When fishmongers send prices soaring, the Tzemach Tzedek follows Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel's move against costly korban birds and bans buying fish, even for Shabbos.
Rabbi Akiva Eiger and the Slavuta Shas Dispute
When the Vilna Shas challenged the Slavuta printers' rights, Rabbi Akiva Eiger ruled their exclusivity had expired and sharply rebuked those who doubted him.
Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel Lowers the Price of Birds
When birds for korbanos cost a gold dinar a pair, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel vows not to sleep until the price falls, and his ruling drops it to a hundredth.