Q&A: Jewish Law
Jewish Law
Question
Dear Rabbi, hello,
A. I was given the Bar-Ilan Responsa Project for free. Am I allowed to use it? [They copied it, of course, which clearly goes against the project’s terms.]
B. I committed to giving tithes to someone, and afterward it became clear to me that giving tithes is not an obligation but rather optional. Am I required to give it because of a vow or under any other law?
Thank you
Answer
A. I didn’t understand what you mean by “they gave it to you.” Did they copy it and give you a copied version? Of course it is forbidden to use it. That is theft. What is the question here?
B. The rule is that if it becomes clear to you that you were mistaken when you took the vow upon yourself, you do not need annulment. But regarding tithing, there are opinions that it is indeed obligatory, and custom also has halakhic force.
Discussion on Answer
Don’t be afraid. There is no prohibition at all in copying material.
The prohibitions about copying are inventions meant to increase profits.
I answered.
A. Someone with Torah knowledge once claimed that to me.
B. So am I obligated or not?