For donations Click Here

Laws Between Man and His Fellow

Question:

Most frum Jews spend much more time learning and reviewing halachot bein adam la-Makom, including the minutest details and opinions, than halachot bein adam le-chavero (such as laws of business or returning lost objects). Am I correct in feeling that this is very much out of balance? Should we be focusing on both equally? Is the same level of attention to detail required for the latter as for the former, or is bein adam le-chavero more subjective or fluid (i.e., what is forbidden and what is permitted are not so black and white)? I hope you understand what I mean.

Answer:

The same type of careful analysis is required for interpersonal relations. The most complex and detailed section of Shulchan Aruch is Choshen Mishpat, which deals with civil law. All of the things you mentioned are included in there. A handbook containing the basic principles that come up in everyday life was written by the first Lubavitcher Rebbe. This book, known as Shulchan Aruch Horav,has a section on Choshen Mishpot that is worthwhile for every Jew to know.

Many yeshivos include Seder Nezikin in the curriculum. Thus, people do learn the laws. Often, however, the goal is not practical application but rather sharpening the students’ learning skills.

This area of halochoh may be ignored by many, but do not err in thinking that it is fluid. It is so detailed that the difficulty of mastering it may be the reason it is neglected.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *