Archive for August, 2008

Professionals are entitled to recompense for their advice.

Question: Recently I went to a public lecture by a known lawyer. At the end of the lecture he gave out his e-mail and offered to answer questions. When I sent him a draft contract I want to sign, he sent me back his comments plus a hefty bill. Do I have to pay?

Answer: There is a stereotype that people are wary of asking lawyers even casual legal questions, such as at a cocktail party, fearful they might get a bill the next day. Perhaps lawyers themselves are grateful for this wariness, so that they can enjoy themselves at cocktail parties without feeling they are on a “busman’s holiday”.

continue

The Laws of the Siddur - Halacha Yomit

The Laws of the Siddur - Halacha Yomit

A series of mini-shiurim on Neviim and Ketuvim, consisting of original insights into selected portoins of the Prophets and Biblical Writings. We will begin with insights into Sefer Yehoshua, exploring fascinating and surprising aspects of this unusual prophetic personality (how many Gedolei HaDor are also top generals, and visa versa?), and continue from there through the Tanach.

The analysis will focus on omek ha-peshat - a careful literary reading of the text in light of the entire book and parallels throughout Tanach. Additionally, many of the insights into the deeper meaning of the plain sense of the Biblical text will lead us to an understanding of seemingly strange and difficult statements of Chazal.

These shiurim will be available 3 times a week, each shiur will be approximately 20 minutes long and will be available via audio podcast.

The Laws of the Siddur - Halacha Yomit

The Laws of the Siddur - Halacha Yomit

The Laws of the Siddur - Halacha Yomit

According to some Poskim and Rishonim we are obligated to recite Bircat HaTorah Min HaTorah. This has certain Halachic ramifications as Rabbi Brovender notes in today’s Halacha Yomit

My friend has unjustified resentment towards me. What should I do?

Question: A friend is bearing a silly grudge from a supposed wrong. What recourse do I have?

Answer: It’s too bad your friend is bearing a grudge. The Torah warns us (Leviticus 19:18), “Don’t take vengeance and don’t bear a grudge against the children of your nation; love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord.”

continue