Community Magazine April 2013

JUDGE ! BE THE YOU BE THE JUDGE and send your response to YouJudge@CommunityM.com Verdicts – and the accompanying rationale – will be reviewed by the Rosh Bet Din. The first three correct submissions received before the deadline will win a $50 gift certificate to a Community Magazine advertiser! Correct entries will receive honorable mention in the next issue when the Rosh Bet Din’s verdict is printed. Congratulation to February 2013 winners! Albert Rishty and Solly Chams NOT SO CALM AFTER THE STORM Robert’s summer home sustained considerable damage during Hurricane Sandy, and he decided to sell the property for $2 million. Danny, who was interested in purchasing the home, made a counteroffer, claiming that although the property’s original value had indeed been $2 million, it had since sharply depreciated due to the severe damage sustained by the storm, and was now worth only $1.8 million. Danny suggested that Robert collect the available insurance for the home’s damage, and restore the value of his property. He further offered to act on Robert’s behalf by representing him to collect the insurance, and overseeing the home’s renovation. In return, Robert agreed to sell him the home after renovation for the original price of $2 million. The two agreed, and Danny proceeded to collect the insurance, eventually using all the proceeds to restore the home’s original value. Upon the project’s completion, Danny prepared a contract of sale for the purchase of the home. However, Robert informed him that he was reneging on the deal. Robert had received an outside offer of $2.1 million for the home, and was unwilling to honor his agreement with Danny. As compensation for Danny’s time and efforts to renovate the home, he offered him $20,000. Danny rejected the offer and came to Bet Din claiming that the home is to be sold to him for $2 million, as they had agreed. HOW SHOULD THE BET DIN RULE, IN FAVOR OF ROBERT OR DANNY, AND WHY? NISSAN - EYAR 5773 APRIL 2013 53