Q&A: Payment for Damage
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Payment for Damage
Question
Hello Rabbi, I’m currently renting a room in a yeshiva and have been there for a month. I left my laptop on the table in the room, and when I went out for two hours for chavruta study, water started leaking through the roof because of the rain, and my laptop was ruined as a result. My question is: does the yeshiva have to help pay for a new laptop, or are they exempt? Thank you very much, and have a good week.
Answer
In principle, this is determined by state law, not by Jewish law.
According to Jewish law, at most this would be considered indirect causation of damage, for which one is liable only in the heavenly sense.
Discussion on Answer
In monetary law, the law is determinative, both because of dina de-malkhuta dina and because of accepted local practice.
Why is this determined by the law?
The explanation really isn’t fully clarified as needed, but we hold that one does not impose liability for water damage.