Money Matters

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Money Matters resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

For the Love of Money

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Judaism has never looked askance at acquiring wealth. Without livelihood there can be no Torah, our Sages declare, recognizing the absolute necessity of material comforts as a prerequisite for spiritual growth. Jewish law insisted that both our…
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Interesting Times

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 high and the economy is stifled, too low and inflation runs amok. Without the benefit of paying…
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Workers Religious Limitations

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 can not be let go for observing religious rituals, including taking off for the various Yamim Tovim…
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Public Workers and Government Contracts

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 activity has an obligation to create a climate where honesty and integrity in our financial affairs is…
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Pesach Water

Rabbi Jay Kelman

When asked what law is most important in the baking of matza, Rav Yisroel Salanter the 19th century founder of the Mussar (ethical refinement) movement, responded that the employees of matza factories be treated properly . While we often think of…
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Tzedakah Allocations

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The mitzvah of tzedakah consist of both a private and public component. The public charity obligation is today operational only in the state of Israel (through taxation) and to some extent through the voluntary federation system. Understanding the…
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Cash Business

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 honesty’. Yet at the same time our Sages teach us that most sin in the area of monetary acquisition…
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Ticket Prices for Yom Tov

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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. Jewish law requires that all members of the local community contribute to the building and maintenance of…
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Selling your home

Rabbi Jay Kelman

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 disclosure on the seller of merchandise. The seller of a home – or any other object for that matter –…
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Ethical Investing

Rabbi Jay Kelman

May one invest in corporations whose activities may be ethically wanting? Exemplary ethical conduct is mandated in all spheres of activity including, nay especially, in our monetary dealings. Furthermore aiding and abetting unethical conduct of…
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