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Truth in One’s Heart

Hi,
I am a Rebbe in a high school. I was offered an additional responsibility in the school which would mean an increase in compensation. I was originally told it would be 1,000$ if I decided to accept. I said that I would get back to my boss. I asked around and spoke to different people and about 2 weeks later I accepted. I informed my wife that I would be accepting the job and, in my mind, I was accepting it hoping for an extra 1,000$ in compensation. I informed my boss that I would accept the position and wanted to know exactly how much I would be compensated. She responded I would receive 2,000$. I am not sure if she forgot her earlier email, disregarded it, or what- I did not negotiate for any more. I know that realistically the job should be worth 2,000$ or so. My question is; Since in my mind I had accepted the job having in mind only 1,000 should I tell my boss and give back the additional 1,000$?

Thank you,

Answer:

There is no need to mention anything, and you can accept the offer of $2,000.

Sources:

The Gemara mentions a level of “one who speaks truth in one’s heart” (Bava Basra 88) which implies that even if one makes a decision in one’s heart about making a purchase or sale for a certain price, one should not go back on it.

However, this is a special level, and there is certainly no obligation to live by this. Certainly, there is no obligation to receive $1000, and the maximum would be to mention that you were prepared to accept the job for less, but you are happy with the higher offer.

But, as noted, you can simply accept the offer as given.

Best wishes.

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