Write It Down!

Question Zevulun wishes to lend his brother, Yissochor, a sum of money. Since the two brothers are on good terms, Zevulun sees no need to draw up a document or have the transaction witnessed. Is he permitted to lend money in this way? Would it make a difference if Yissochor was a talmid chochom (Torah…

The Overloaded Man

Question Shraga sees a man walking down the street, weighed down by heavy bags of shopping. Not only is he carrying too heavy a load, but the bags are not evenly balanced either. “Go and help him. To allow him to continue in this way is like cruelty to animals!” says a bystander. Shraga knows…

Water Partners

Question As Pesach approaches, many of the residents of 56, Freedom Avenue wish to use the fire hoses installed in the entrance lobby for cleaning their cars and their window blinds. However, Yehudah, who does not own a car but has his own private hose, objects. He claims that although the fire hoses are jointly-owned…

Landlord And Tenant

Question Simcha rented an apartment from Sasson. The rental contract did not mention whose duty it was to pay va’ad habayit (house committee) dues. Sasson argues that Simcha should pay since he benefits from the services provided. Simcha replies that the responsibility for paying rests on Sasson, since he is a partner in the jointly…

Non-Resident Partners

Question Yitzchok bought an apartment in a new development, but continues to live in his old home. Yiddel, the head of the va’ad habayit (house committee) in his new apartment block, approaches him for his share in the monthly dues. Yitzchok replies that since he does not yet reside in the building, he does not…

Sales And Repairs

Question Avi wishes to sell his apartment and move to a different district. He is in the middle of serious negotiations with a potential buyer when the head of the va’ad habayit (house committee) asks him for his share in the cost of renovations to the jointly owned areas (lobby, stairways, etc.). Avi tells him…