Halachic Highlights

Question: Is a person liable for damages caused to his friend who is injured by slipping on the person’s item, which broke and was left lying on the floor?

Short Answer: No, a person is generally not liable for damage caused by his broken object. There is a dispute, however, if he is liable where he could have picked it up but did not do so.

Question: Is a driver liable for damage caused by the car that he is driving? What about if he is riding in his self-driving car that damages?

Question: Is it permitted to raise sheep or goats in Israel nowadays?

Short Answer: There is a dispute amongst the contemporary poskim whether this is permitted or prohibited.

Question: Is a guest who does not show up at a wedding that he said he would attend liable to the baal simchah for the cost of his meal?

Question: Which side of the window should one light neiros Chanukah?

Short Answer: Some poskim rule that it should be lit on the left side of the window (from the inside looking out). Others say it does not make a difference.

Damaged In My House

Question: Is a person liable for accidental damage that he causes to a person who enters his house without permission?

Short Answer: There is a dispute whether the homeowner is liable for accidental damage where he is aware of the trespasser. The Shulchan Aruch appears to hold that he is exempt from liability.