- Family and Society
- Damage and Theft
I scratched a car
Question
If I mistakenly caused a very minor scratch on a car what does the Halacha require?
Answer
A person is obligated to pay for any damage he caused even if it was by mistake (see Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 378, 1).
You should find out if there is any damage in such a scratch and in such a vehicle. The same minor scratch can be considered as damage in a case of a shiny new car and not considered damage at all in a case of an old and worn vehicle.
In case where the scratch caused depreciation of the car, one should find out how much he is required to pay for the damage, because payment for damage is estimated by depreciation of the object as a result of the damage (Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 387). Nevertheless it seems that in this case of a minor scratch on a car, the cost of repair and the vehicle's depreciation will be more or less the same.
responsibility for damages to a car borrowed from a friend
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Elul 18, 5777
Questions on Shomrim/Pikadon
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Nisan 27, 5773

Trying perfumes
Various Rabbis | Sivan 2, 5768

Gzeila
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 5, 5779
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt
Founder & dean of YORU a unique program designed to cultivate the next generation of Rabbis and Jewish leaders
Electronic door opening on Shabbat
Cheshvan 5, 5770
Nusach for an Avel
Elul 18, 5769
Brachot on food
Tishrei 4, 5770
Multiple Kaddishes at End of Tefillah
Elul 22, 5769

Naming a baby girl Romi
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 18, 5774

Scooter on Shabbat
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 30 Cheshvan 5767

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Talmud
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783

Dairy mug and meat sponge
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 10, 5783
