Bite Your Tongue
Attending a yom tov seudah and spotting an inviting platter of beef tongue on the table is the ultimate test of fortitude. Your mind immediately starts wondering if taking a slice means entering into a mutual tasting…
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Money and Business
Theft and Robbery
Geneivah, gezeilah and returning stolen property.
The Pious Donkey, the Muzzled Camels, and the Elephant in the Room
The Gemara in Chullin (7a) records the remarkable journey of Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair as he traveled to redeem captives. Along the way, he arrived at an inn where his donkey was offered barley.
Water Works
I was visiting a New Jersey suburb one summer and noticed that all the lawns were brown — save one. The house where I was staying had a luscious green garden in front.
Impulse Purchases
It started innocently enough. Boruch was just going to pop into the store—grab some lightbulbs. That’s it. He even said it out loud in the car like some kind of budgeting mantra: “Just the lightbulbs.
Lost in the Shuffle
Roy Pearson, who had been out of work for about three years, was appointed to be an administrative law judge. He had gained weight, and he realized he needed to have his suit pants let out.
Stolen Wedding Food
Boruch: Mazal tov, Shimon! I’m so thrilled that I was able share in your daughter’s wedding! The food, by the way, was fantastic. Shimon: Thank you so much for coming; it means a lot to me!
A Superbowl Stumper
Boruch: Hi, Shimon. I believe this is yours. Shimon: My Superbowl ticket! Where was it? I was looking all over for it, and I missed the game!
Do Not Despair
An intense debate erupted in the Beis Medrash. According to the Gemara, the debate spanned at least three decades (Bava Kama 67b). The debate was so long that there were three different Roshei Yeshiva during this time.
When Is Poisoning Allowed?
There is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in communal refrigerators and shelves. Food seems to disappear from them mysteriously. This occurs in dormitories, offices, and schools.
A Stamping Ground
Boruch: Mazel tov on finishing Seder Nashim and half of Shas with daf yomi! Shimon: Thank you. Our continued learning should be a tremendous source of merit for the salvation of klal Yisrael. Boruch: Amen.
Catch 22
Many attorneys are familiar with the case of Pierson v. Post. It is often the first case studied in law school when property rights are taught.
Stealing to Save a Life?
Rav Shlomo Halberstam, zt”l, the Bobover Rebbe, was instrumental in saving many lives during the Holocaust. The Bobover Rebbe borrowed whatever money he could to secure visas and travel documents for would-be victims.
Shopping Cart Considerations
One Thursday night, I was shopping at a supermarket. That store is open until midnight on Thursday nights, which is perfect for people who wait until the last minute to do their Shabbos shopping.
Poison Pills
The great sage Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai desired to give a lecture on the topic of accuracy in weights and measures, but he was unsure whether to deliver the talk.
Gemara stories on Theft and Robbery
Levi and the Mysterious Word 'Kava'
A man tells the amora Levi that someone was "kava" him. Levi asks the beis midrash what it means, and learns the man was robbed but didn't want to shame the thief.