Hilchot Malveh veLoveh – Chapter 15 Conditions on Loan Repayment and the Power of Testimony Overview This chapter explores the halachic implications of stipulating conditions on how a loan must be repaid—particularly when the lender demands repayment in the presence of witnesses or specific individuals. If the borrower claims to […]

Chapter 10: Lending Produce and the Boundaries of Ribit in Commodity Loans Overview This chapter addresses the halachic principles governing the lending of produce and other commodities, focusing on when such transactions are permitted and when they risk violating the prohibition of ribit (interest). The key distinction lies in whether […]

Chapter 9: Fixing Prices Before Market Rates and the Boundaries of Ribis in Commerce Overview This chapter explores the halachic guidelines for fixing prices on produce and goods before the market rate (sha’ar) is established. The central concern is avoiding transactions that resemble interest (ribit) when payment is made in […]

Chapter 8 Commercial Pricing and the Boundaries of Ribis Overview This chapter addresses the fine line between legitimate commerce and prohibited interest (Ribis) in sales transactions. While the Torah forbids charging interest on loans, the Sages extended this prohibition to certain pricing structures that mimic loan-based profit. The halachot clarify […]

Chapter 2: Debt Collection: Judicial Ethics and Safeguards for Borrowers   Overview: This chapter addresses the Torah’s approach to debt enforcement, emphasizing the delicate balance between a creditor’s right to collect and a debtor’s dignity and protection. The halachot outline the procedures for assessing a borrower’s assets, the limitations on […]

Chapter 1: Lending, Borrowing, and Debt Collection   Overview This chapter presents the Torah’s framework for financial relationships between individuals, focusing on the mitzvah to lend to fellow Jews in need and the ethical boundaries of debt collection. It includes twelve mitzvos—four positive and eight negative—covering lending, interest, collateral, and […]

Chapter 6: Oaths and Liability in the Laws of Guardianship: When Payment Requires Proof     Chapter Overview: This chapter addresses the nuanced halachic principles governing a guardian’s responsibilities when entrusted with another’s property. It explains when a guardian must pay without swearing—specifically for common, easily replaceable items—and when an […]

Chapter 5: Safeguarding Deposits: Standards of Care, Claims, and Accountability     Chapter Overview: This chapter explores the responsibilities and liabilities of individuals entrusted with safeguarding deposits, with a particular focus on nuanced scenarios that arise in Jewish law. It opens with cases involving charitable deposits and funds for redeeming […]

Chapter 4: The Responsibilities of an Unpaid Watchman     Chapter Overview: This chapter outlines the halachic framework governing the role of a שומר חינם (unpaid watchman). It begins with the Torah’s exemption from liability in cases of theft or loss—provided the watchman swears he was not negligent and did […]

Chapter 3: Liability in the Transfer and Return of Borrowed Property     Chapter Overview: Borrowing with Owner Present This section of Hilchot She’elah uFikkadon addresses the nuanced laws governing the transfer and return of borrowed property—particularly animals—when the item has not yet entered or has exited the borrower’s domain. […]

Chapter 2: Sheilah Bebalim – The law applicable if one borrows the Owner with the object     Chapter Overview: Borrowing with Owner Present This chapter discusses when a borrower is exempt from liability because the owner is working with them. It addresses borrowing between spouses, partners, and partnerships, noting […]

Chapter 1: The Laws Governing Borrowing and Entrusted Objects Liability for Borrowed Items Lost or Damaged When a person borrows movable property such as an animal or utensil and it is lost, stolen, or destroyed—even by uncontrollable circumstances—the borrower is generally liable to pay for the full value. However, if […]

Sechirut – Chapter 13: Animal’s Right to Eat While Working An animal must be allowed to eat while it is working with produce, whether the produce is attached or harvested. The animal may also eat from the load it carries until it is unloaded, but the handler should not feed […]

Sechirut – Chapter 12: Feeding employees 1. Right of Workers to Eat Produce During Work Workers engaged in activities that help finish the work on produce—whether harvested or still attached to the ground—are permitted by Torah law to eat from that produce while working. This applies only to paid workers, […]

Sechirut – Chapter 11: Laws of Paying Wages to a worker 1. Obligation to Pay Wages on Time It is a positive commandment to pay a worker’s wages on time, as stated in Deuteronomy. (Deut. 24:15). Delaying payment violates a negative commandment (“Do not let the sun set…”), though lashes […]

Sechirut – Chapter 10 Halacha 1 – Lender Holding Collateral A lender who takes security for a loan (money or produce, taken at the time of the loan or later) is a paid watchman. If the collateral is lost or stolen, he must pay its value. If loss was due […]

Sechirut – Chapter 9: Employment Law 1. Custom Determines Workers’ Rights and Employer Obligations The expectations for workers—such as start and end times, or the provision of meals and snacks—are set by local customs. 2. Determining Wage of employee when not discussed in the beginning of employment When a wage […]