Halachic Highlights

Question: Is a store owner liable for damages to a neighboring store from a fire that started in the first store?

Short Answer: Depending on how the fire was started, it is quite possible that the store owner will not be liable.

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: If one accidentally starts a fire in his friend’s house, is he liable for damage caused to all of the items in his friend’s house?

Short Answer: Yes, he is liable for anything that is typically in a person’s house, even if the item is hidden in the house.

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 it permitted for a person to own a dog nowadays?

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.