“The law of the land is the law”. This fundamental principle of law obligates Jews to be loyal citizens of whatever country they may reside. It is so…
Suing For Bad Advice
Can one sue for bad advice? In the specialized marketplace in which we operate we are all dependant on advice of other, be they accountants, lawyers…
Legal Tax Planning
As we approach the year end we are bombarded with article after article explaining how a little year end planning can help us keep more of our money…
Corporate Altruism
The modern day corporation has as one of its primary features the separation of the ownership and management functions. While shareholders may not…
"Donating" Organs
Health care and economics are an often volatile mix. Just ask our first ministers. The Canadian ethos is such that rich and poor are to receive (in…
He Shoots He Doesn't Score
With Canadian hockey fans facing lots of free time on Saturday nights what might Jewish law have to say about hiring replacement hockey players?…
Faith in G-d
When we think of the Yamim Noraim our thoughts focus on such items as family, prayer, repentance, health and happiness. Rarely do people dwell on the…
For the Love of Money
Judaism has never looked askance at acquiring wealth. Without livelihood there can be no Torah, our Sages declare, recognizing the absolute necessity…
Interesting Times
The Biblical prohibition against charging interest seems to be out of place in a modern day economy. Interest rates are crucial to our economy. Too…
Workers Religious Limitations
We are most fortunate to live in a country where the religious rights of workers are protected. Despite the hardships it may cause employers, workers…
Public Workers and Government Contracts
Jewish ethos sees economic activity as part and parcel of a moral way of life bringing us closer to G-d. Government as a prime source of economic…
Motivation for Public Servants
Judaism has always regarded the misuse of public funds to be a most grievous sin. Whereas Jewish law stipulates that a worker be given opportunity to…
Pesach Water
When asked what law is most important in the baking of matza, Rav Yisroel Salanter the 19th century founder of the Mussar (ethical refinement)…
Tzedakah Allocations
The mitzvah of tzedakah consist of both a private and public component. The public charity obligation is today operational only in the state of…
Cash Business
May one shop at a cash only business? “Innocent until proven guilty” is an idea rooted in Jewish ethos which teaches that all have a ‘presumption of…
Ticket Prices for Yom Tov
May a local shul charge out of town guests a fee for high holiday “seats”? Money and religion often makes for a volatile, albeit necessary mix.…
Selling your home
What are the ethical obligations when selling one’s home? Jewish law rejects the notion of caveat emptor (buyer beware) and has placed an onus of…
Ethical Investing
May one invest in corporations whose activities may be ethically wanting? Exemplary ethical conduct is mandated in all spheres of activity including…