Halachic Highlights

Question: Is a person liable to pay damages for torts performed when drunk?

Short Answer: Yes, a drunk is liable for damages. While there used to be a possible exception on Purim, many poskim severely limit this exemption nowadays.

Question: Why are women not obligated in mitzvas Sukkah based on the idea of “af hein hayu b’oso ha’neis” (that they were part of the neis)?

Short Answer: There are numerous reasons why “af hein...” does not apply to the mitzvah of Sukkah.

Question: Is a person liable for damage that resulted from a complete accident?

Short Answer: There is a dispute whether one is liable for damage stemming from “oneis gamur.” We pasken that one is not liable.

Question: May you add aliyos on Yom Kippur that falls out on Shabbos?

Short Answer: You should not add aliyos, unless you will raise a significant amount of money for tz’dakah by selling the added aliyos.

Question: Does one violate a prohibition when damaging another’s property?

Short Answer: Yes, a tortfeasor violates a prohibition when damaging another’s property. The precise prohibition, however, is subject to a dispute amongst the poskim.

Question: Should you say the words “dayanim mumchin” in hataras nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah?

Short Answer: Some omit the word “mumchin,” as we no longer allow a yachid mumchah” to perform hataras nedarim by himself.