Community Magazine October 2019

YOU JUDGE! BE THE TERROR FROM THE GAZA STRIP David, a resident of an Israeli town bordering on the Gaza Strip, was driving home one night after midnight. While driving, he detected in his rear-view mirror a fire kite sent from Gaza over the border to Israel. For nearly the past six months Hamas and their affiliates have sent over 700 fire kites and balloons burning with chemicals and explosives, damaging over 2,500 acres of Israeli fields, private property, and wildlife. David pulled his car to the side of the road and ran in the direction of the kite blowing in the wind. Before he arrived, the kite landed on a horse stable and a blazing fire on its rooftop was already underway. Risking his life, David opened the stable and released the horses. The stable then completely burnt down and the adjacent field was badly scorched until firefighters finally put out the flames. In the interim, David strangely took possession of one of the horses he set free, claiming that it was the least he is entitled to for his heroic act. The homeowner thanked David, though he was unwilling to part with his very valuable horse. In Bet Din, David further explained his position by claiming that at the time of the fire he was entitled to take any and all of the horses, since the dangerous blazing fire rendered them halachically ownerless. The homeowner dismissed David’s claim and rebuked him for his unlawful conduct. Although the homeowner was once willing to reward David with a nominal fee for saving his horses, he is presently pulling back because of David’s actions. IS THE HOMEOWNER OBLIGATED TO REWARD DAVID WITH HIS VALUABLE HORSE OR NOT? HOW SHOULD THE BET DIN RULE AND WHY? 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. The details of this case have been altered in order to teach a specific halachic lesson. TISHREI 5780 OCTOBER 2019 51 A/C-Heat Electrician Home-Tech Plumber Mezuzot Contact List Your One Stop for Mezuzah Scrolls, Cases and Installation Stephen Safdeye (917) 566-5337 asmezuzot@gmail.com