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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: Because this is a joke and not a practical case, we do not have to analyze all of the potentially impactful details. I guess what makes the story funny is the implication that Shimon only thought of paying at that time and place because he hoped that the loss of the holdup would fall on Reuven. Apparently, though, the circumstances are more important than the intention.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
583 - How Many K’zeitim and Why?
584 - Unwanted Return of Money
585 - Counting Sefira Somewhat Early
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Mode of payment: If the borrower has available cash, he must pay with cash, but if he does not have cash, he can give the lender movable objects of the borrower’s choice (Shulchan Aruch, CM 101:1-2). The lender can delay repayment to wait for a time at which the borrower will have cash to give (ibid. 4). If payment is in real estate, average quality land is the basic standard (see ibid. 102:1). This element is not the issue in your case.
Timing of payment: The time that the debt is due is primarily for the benefit of the borrower, i.e., the lender cannot demand return of the money before the time set. Therefore, if the borrower wants to pay early, he has the right to do so (ibid. 74:2). However, since it is somewhat suspicious that one wants to pay early, if there are signs that the early payment may cause a loss to the lender, the lender can refuse to receive the money at that time (ibid.). Some examples are when the currency of payment is soon to be devalued or the tax collector is about to appraise taxes based on money on hand (ibid.). When the time to pay has come, we are to assume that the time of payment is fair for all, and we will not readily allow the lender to refuse to receive it then (ibid.). However, if it can be demonstrated that there is a significant and immediate disadvantage to receiving it then, it is likely that the lender can refuse (see S’ma ad loc. 5; Shach ad loc. 10). We then treat that timing like the following scenario regarding place.
Place of payment: The mishna (Bava Kama 118a) rules that if one borrowed money from his counterpart in an inhabited area, the borrower cannot force the lender to accept payment in a desert, because of the lender’s expected difficulty to preserve that which he received (Rashi ad loc.). If the borrower wants to return the loan to the lender in an inhabited area, but the borrower will have to go through a desert to get home, he may return it if it is on time but not if it is early (Shulchan Aruch, CM 74:1). The Aruch Hashulchan (ad loc. 1) says that in that case, the theft danger of going through the desert is minimal because he can arrange to go with a protected caravan. This indicates that that the important thing is not the place’s geographic category but the question whether the payment will be safe there.
Your case is a mix between a bad time and a bad place. In other words, the place may be fine except when this robber is there and the time may be fine in almost any place, but the combination of the two makes it a damaging time/place, at which Reuven does not have to accept payment. To conclude with a joke with a hint of halachic insight, we might suggest to Reuven to respond: "I would be happy to receive payment from you … in just a moment. As soon as our new friend (i.e., the thug) finishes his business, give me the money."
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
