Podcasts about reuven

   Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Shmuel HonigwachsQuestion: In the last segment, we discussed a case where one neighbor purchases a home from a non-Jew. What if both neighbors bought their houses from non-Jews? How would that impact issues of hezek riya?Answer: If both neighbors originally purchased their homes from non-Jews, as long as the window existed beforehand, the halacha is that Reuven doesn't have any rights to force Feivel to do anything that he couldn't force John to do.This is actually the most common scenario with pools, as most neighborhoods that are built for Jews do not contain pools. Thus, in the common case where two neighbors purchased their homes from non-Jews, neither would be able to force their neighbor to close off a window. The laws of hezek riya would only apply if one of them wants to make a new window. Any window that existed before the homes were purchased from the non-Jews is permitted to remain. Of course, to stand and view the private affairs of a neighbor is always forbidden. 

 Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Shmuel HonigwachsQuestion: Reuven has a pool in his backyard. His neighbor, John, is a non-Jew, who obviously has no reservations about being the cause of hezek riya. John is now selling his house to a Jew. The new neighbor, Feivel, moves in and Reuven tells him that because his window faces Reuven's pool, there is a problem of hezek riya and Feivel has to either close off the window or pay to build a fence. Is Reuven correct?Answer: The Gemara says that a Jew who buys a house from a non-Jew has the same rules as the non-Jew he bought the house from. The Poskim debate whether this means that he gets the same halachic disadvantages of the non-Jew, or if he also gets the potential advantages as well. According to the opinion that he gets the advantages of the non-Jew, Feivel would not have to close off his window, just like the non-Jew could not be required to do that. According to the opinion that the Jew only gets the disadvantages of the non-Jew, however, he would be required to close off the window.The Rema rules that the Jew gets the advantages of the non-Jew, but the Shulchan Aruch disagrees and rules that he does not. Practically speaking, Reuven probably would not be able to force Feivel to close off his window. 

 Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Shmuel HonigwachsQuestion: Reuven needed a variance for a construction project. His neighbor, Shimon, claimed that he would be negatively impacted by that variance. He went to the zoning board and tried to stop it but the board ruled in favor of Reuven and granted the variance. Shimon still has one more venue to stop the variance from being adopted, which is to litigate. Is he permitted to go to court and assert his right to have the variance's approval revoked?  Answer: We previously explained that the Maharik says that one has a right to oppose a neighbor's request for a variance before a zoning board because the neighbor has not obtained what he wants yet. He compares this to a “metziah” and says that everyone has the right to stop someone from getting a metziah. That reasoning would only apply to something that the neighbor doesn't have yet. If he already received the variance and a neighbor now wants to sue in court to get it revoked, there would be a strong argument to say that the Maharik's ruling does not apply in that situation; therefore, I would posit that it would not be permitted. 

 Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Shmuel HonigwachsQuestion: With a little effort, Reuven is able to see into his neighbor's window from his backyard. He now wants to extend the deck in his yard to make room for a large sukkah. From the new deck, he will have a much clearer view of his neighbor's window. Is he allowed to make this extension?  Answer: Most Poskim say that even if one could see into his neighbor's window, if he cannot see into them easily or clearly it is not considered hezek riya. Accordingly, if building a deck would make it easier for him to see in the windows, it would not be permitted. While it is a mitzvah to make a nice deck in order to be able to have a nice sukkah, in this case, it would be preferable to find another way to beautify one's sukkah. 

What does it take to build a serious Torah legacy while running a thriving dental practice in Manhattan? Reuven Mohl has spent the last decade doing exactly that — and the results are five published books, a growing body of scholarship, and a model for what it looks like to take your Torah life seriously without stepping away from the working world.In this episode, Reuven walks us through his upbringing in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, where his father Rabbi Oscar Mohl — a philosophy professor, Holocaust survivor, and talmid of the Baba Vredi — set the tone for a home where Torah and ideas were always on the table. From Yeshiva Flatbush to Yeshiva HaKotel to YU, Reuven shares how his years of learning shaped both his character and his career path into dentistry.We talk about the discipline behind building a successful practice, how he carved out time for serious learning between patients, and what led him to compile commentaries on the Haggadah, Megillas Rus, and Tehillim using the writings of Rabbi Eliezer Berkovitz and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik.And in honor of Shavuos, we learn together. Reuven shares a beautiful lesson from Megillas Rus on the difference between din and lifnim mishurat hadin — and what Boaz's generosity in the field teaches us about how to show up at work, at home, and in life.Topics covered:Growing up with a philosophy professor father and a Holocaust survivor in the homeThe work-life balance reality of a dental careerHow to pursue serious Torah scholarship while running a businessBuilding commentaries using the Rav and Rabbi BerkovitzMegillas Rus and the obligation to do more than the minimumThe story of calling before Shabbos

Send us Fan MailReuven Shelef is the founder and CEO of OUT OF THE BOX Consulting. As a strategic engineer with a coach's heart, he is renowned for his innovative "Untangling Complex Challenges" methodology. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, technology, and business transformation, Reuven has contributed significantly to Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives by solving intricate challenges and refining business processes. His expertise spans cross-functional collaboration and coaching leaders, knitting together logic, human behavior, and transformative outcomes.Reuven Shelef explores the pivotal role of processes, cross-functional dynamics, and the risks of relying too heavily on AI as a panacea for business problems. He shares personal insights garnered from his own life experiences, which have profoundly influenced his methodology, and provides actionable strategies for leaders to steer their organizations through chaos effectively. With key insights into leveraging both logic and human dynamics, this episode serves as a valuable guide for leaders looking to navigate today's rapidly-shifting business landscape.Key Takeaways:Recognize and differentiate between dramatic and subtle crises to implement effective crisis management.Building cross-functional relationships is essential for resolving between-function challenges, often overlooked by leaders.No existing processes often result in broken processes; it is crucial for leaders to establish and maintain clear systems.Reliance on AI should be measured; the fundamentals of leadership and problem-solving still depend heavily on human insight and well-structured processes.Personal growth and professional challenges can intersect, providing unique insights into effective problem-solving.Notable Quotes:"Most organization doesn't have defined processes. That means that by definition, they're broken.""AI is not going to fix what you're expecting it to fix, at least in the foreseen future.""You have to give up being in full control and look at the greater good.""Create relationships as if you are the owner of the company, no matter your current position."Resources:Reuven Shelef's WebsiteAll episodes and guest requests can be found at:www.leadershipmomentspodcast.comFollow Stacey Caster on Instagram @staceycaster_Follow Tracy-Ann Palmer on Instagram @tracy_ann_palmer

Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Aryeh FinkelQuestion: There is a threshold of how much investment income a taxpayer can have and still be eligible for the Earned Income Credit. Reuven told his money manager to make sure he doesn't go over that threshold, as it would not be worthwhile to lose out on the credit. The money manager disobeyed his instructions and made him some extra money on an investment which caused him to lose the Earned Income Credit. Is he liable to pay him for that loss?  Answer: This is certainly not an act of damage, but it might be garmi.The Poskim discuss a case called “mevatel kiso shel chavero”, which is where someone caused his friend a loss of potential income. An example of this would be if someone locks up his friend's merchandise so that he cannot sell it on the market day, thereby causing him a loss of profit that he could have made. The Poskim rule that this is a case of grama, which means that he is exempt in bais din but liable in dinei Shomayim. It could be argued that this case is the same, as the money manager is causing the client to lose a profit that he otherwise could have made.Moreover, one might claim that because an Earned Income Credit is given automatically by the IRS to any family that qualifies, the money is already his and is just waiting to be claimed. Thus, it is even more of a direct loss than mevatel kiso shel chavero, which is only a loss of potential profit that could potentially have been made. Accordingly, perhaps this would qualify as garmi and the money manager would even be liable in bais din. However, it seems more accurate that causing the loss of the Earned Income Credit cannot be considered garmi. Even though it is given electronically and is done automatically, the individual still must file his taxes and be found eligible. Many things can happen over the course of the year that can cause him to not qualify. Accordingly, the money isn't simply waiting for him to claim it. Therefore, it cannot be considered garmi and remains in the same category as mevatel kiso shel chavero.We would still have to consider the fact that the money manager is a hired worker and such professionals are sometimes held culpable because part of their contract is that if they cause a loss to a client by not following instructions, they are liable for that loss. That is a different question that needs to be addressed but, in any case, he is not liable because of garmi.  

Answer the Polls Here: https://thisorthatpolls.com/events/pesach In this special live episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, the conversation goes beyond theory and straight into reality, marriage, connection, and what actually happens behind closed doors. Through live polling and raw discussion, we uncover surprising truths: nearly 70% of people didn't feel prepared for marriage, and almost half admitted they questioned their decision within the first year. But what does that really mean? Is struggle a red flag, or part of the process?   This episode breaks down what's really at the core of relationship tension. It's not communication, it's connection. From navigating conflict the right way to understanding why "I want a divorce" is often just a cry for help, this conversation offers a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on building a strong marriage. If you've ever wondered what separates couples who thrive from those who fall apart, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals   Download the app and never pay full price again!   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp    _________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful   _________________   ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/   _________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   _________________   ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp   _________________   ► The Village   80% of people who get addicted relapse again and again. The Village stops the cycle, creating a world of healthy connection around people in recovery so they can finally move forward to lasting sobriety and beautiful lives.   https://www.charidy.com/thevillage?utm_source=MeaningfulMinute&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=village  

Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Aryeh FinkelQuestion: Reuven is driving around at 4 am. He comes to a red light and stops. He doesn't see anyone around, so he goes through the red. Unfortunately, a kid on a scooter comes flying out of nowhere and is struck by Reuven's car. Boruch Hashem, the boy is unhurt. The scooter, however, is destroyed. Is Reuven liable to pay for the scooter?Answer: This case has to be broken down into two aspects. Firstly, a kid riding around on a scooter in the middle of the night is an unexpected occurrence; consequently, we have to determine whether this qualifies as an “oness”. Secondly, we have to determine whether the fact that Reuven ran a red light can be held against him.Had it been the middle of the day, perhaps it would be Reuven's responsibility to reasonably ensure that no pedestrians are approaching the intersection. At 4am, however, there is no reason to expect that a kid would be riding around on a scooter. Accordingly, if the light had been green Reuven would definitely be patur. While it is true that there is a general rule of “odom mu'ad l'olam” (a person is always held accountable for damages he causes through his actions), Tosafos and other Rishonim clarify that one is exempt in cases of “oness gamur”, when it was clearly unavoidable. Furthermore, the Rambam states that the rule of odom mu'ad l'olam only applies if the incident occurred on the property of the victim. If it happened on the property of the damager, or even on public property, this rule does not apply. Accordingly, if the light was green, the roadway is considered to be “the property of the damager” because he has the right of way, while the one who was damaged does not. It should be noted that the Chazon Ish says that the Rambam is only referring to cases where the damager was doing a normal action, such as walking or driving, and he hits someone on his property or on public property. Otherwise, for example, if a person were to trip and fall and break something on his way down, that would not be considered a normal course of action and the rule of odom mu'ad l'olam would apply even according to the Rambam.

The Laws of Torts Week 1Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org Rav Aryeh FinkelTEXT VERSION:Question: Reuven's neighbor went away for Shabbos. Before he left, he forgot to shut the hose that was running in his backyard. Over Shabbos, the water flowed into Reuven's property and flooded his basement. Is the neighbor liable as an odom hamazik?  Answer: He definitely could be chayav because of the rule of garmi, which is a form of direct causation of damage; however, there are some limitations to the halachos of garmi. For example, there is the opinion of the Shach who says that garmi is only a chiyuv d'rabanan, which allows for leniency in some cases.Odom hamazik, however, is a chiyuv d'oharaysa. A person is biblically liable for damages that he does through his actions. In this case, the neighbor just turned on the water. He did not actually cause the flooding by pouring water into Reuven's basement. Is what he did enough of an action to hold him liable as an odom hamazik?The Gemara in Bava Kama speaks about a case where someone releases water out of a pipe, which flows out and causes damage. It says that if the water strikes something in the first burst as it is running out of the pipe, it is called “kocho” – a damaging force caused by the person. Although he didn't touch the water and merely allowed it to come out of the pipe, it is considered as if he did the damage and he is liable as an odom hamazik. The Gemara in Sanhedrin discusses a similar case where someone opened a dam and cause the water to be diverted in a certain direction, thereby killing a person. The Rishonim use this Gemara to discern the halacha regarding damages. There, the Gemara says that only the initial spurt of water, known as “koach rishon”, is considered odom hamazik. The subsequent flow of water is called “koach sheni”, and is not considered odom hamazik.In the case in question, the flow from the hose would be considered koach sheni since it takes time for it to cause damage; therefore, it is not odom hamazik. Furthermore, even if a person would actually spray the hose directly into the basement, it might only be odom hamazik if he sprayed things like books, which get ruined right away. Whereas, if it hit hardwood furniture, which only gets damaged after it is saturated with water, it may not be considered active damage. Since such furniture is not damaged on contact, it is only destroyed by the koach shnei and, thus, is not odom hamazik.The Gemara discusses another case where a trespassing cow falls into a pit of water and ruins the water by dirtying it. It says that if the cow was dirty and ruined the water on contact, the owner has to pay for the damage. If, however, the cow was clean and only ruined the water by staying in it for an extended period of time, the damage is not considered to be a result of the cow's action; rather, it was damaged while the cow was stationary. Damage by a stationary object falls under the category of “bor”, which is only liable for damaging people or animals and not for damages to keilim (inanimate objects). Similarly, perhaps when one damages furniture by spraying it with water, the damage occurs while the water is stationary in the furniture. Thus, the water is akin to a bor and the owner would not be liable to pay for keilim – meaning he is exempt from paying for the furniture as an odom hamazik.According to all of this, the neighbor would not be liable in this story as an odom hamazik; however, as we started off by saying, he may be chayav becau

Yesterday we spoke about the feeling of rejection when it comes to relationships between people. Unfortunately, there are those who feel rejected by Hashem as well. They have been praying and improving for years, yet they have not seen the results they were hoping for. They begin to wonder if Hashem truly appreciates their efforts, and some even entertain thoughts of stopping. There are those who have already stopped praying altogether, thinking that Hashem is not interested in their tefillot. If they would only know how much they are accomplishing with their tefillot and good deeds, and how much Hashem cherishes everything they do, they would be running to continue. Not being answered is not an indication that Hashem does not love their tefillot — it is just the opposite. Sarah Imenu was not answered for decades, and Chazal teach that Hashem delayed because He desired her prayers so much. When Kayin felt rejected by Hashem, he committed a terrible aveirah. Yet Hashem Himself told him, " למה חרה לך ולמה נפלו פניך… אם תיטיב שאת " — why are you upset? I am not rejecting you. All you need to do is improve. Hashem never rejects anyone. At one point, a heavenly voice was heard regarding Elisha Acher, saying that everyone is welcome back except him. Acher had committed extremely grave sins. Yet the Reshit Chochmah writes that even that heavenly voice did not mean that Hashem did not want him back. In the end, he was accepted in the upper worlds, even without doing teshuvah — and certainly had he done teshuvah, he would have been accepted even more so. That heavenly voice was a test. He was meant to respond, "No — I still want to come back." As Chazal teach, כֹּל מַה שֶׁיֹּאמַר לְךָ בַּעַל הַבַּיִת עֲשֵׂה, חוּץ מִצֵּא , whatever the Baal HaBayit tells us to do, we must follow — except if he tells us to leave, then we do not go. Hashem is the ultimate Baal HaBayit, and even when it appears as if He is pushing us away, it is only a test. Hashem desires every Jew to be close to Him. His love for us is beyond comprehension. We may not understand His ways, but we know with certainty that He always wants us. If we would understand even a fraction of how much He desires our avodah, we would serve Him with far greater enthusiasm. Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman told a story about a man we will call Reuven, who hired a well-known singer to perform at his daughter's wedding. A few weeks later, another man, Yehuda, called that same singer to ask if he was available for his daughter's wedding — which happened to be scheduled for the very same night. The singer declined. Yehuda wanted this singer very badly and asked for Reuven's number. He called Reuven and offered to pay for another singer if he would be willing to give up his booking. Reuven politely declined. Yehuda then offered to pay part of the wedding expenses. Again, Reuven declined. Eventually, Yehuda even offered to pay for the entire wedding — and still, Reuven refused. Yehuda was astonished and asked him to explain. Reuven answered that when his father had been ill, his mother cared for him tirelessly, day and night. The entire family felt tremendous gratitude toward her. When she heard the name of this singer, she remarked how meaningful it would be if he could perform at the wedding. "For me," Reuven said, "having this singer at the wedding is kibbud em. There is no amount of money that would make me give that up." The singer later said that when he performed at that wedding, he sang with more heart and enthusiasm than ever before, because he understood how much they wanted him and what they were willing to give up for him to be there. When a person feels wanted, his performance is on an entirely different level. If we would only realize how much Hashem wants our avodah, we would serve Him with that same excitement. Hashem never rejects anyone — it may appear that way sometimes. In truth, He is waiting to see that even without the results we hope for, we continue striving to come closer. And when we do, our reward becomes infinitely greater, allowing us to merit closeness to Hashem for all eternity.

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