Responding To Merry Christmas

12/09/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: It’s that time of year, when everyone everywhere is saying “Merry Christmas” to me, even people who know that I am Jewish. Should I simply smile and repeat the greeting or politely correct the greeter and say, “I’m sorry, I don’t observe Christmas.”

Is Spending To Help The Economy Ethical?

12/02/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: During the holiday season, I keep hearing how important it is for our fragile economy that we buy, buy, buy. If it is patriotic to buy impulsively and consume conspicuously, is it also good?

A: Patriotic: yes. Good…not so much.

Is Turkey Kosher?

11/18/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: I’ve heard that turkey may actually not be kosher. Is that true?

A: From a halachic/ethical standpoint, it is 100% kosher. Or not.

Davening for Dollars

11/10/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: When I daven, I am tempted to ask God for help improving my difficult financial situation. But I always feel this is wrong since so many other people are in worse circumstances involving their health, safety and even worse financial conditions, whereas I at least have a job and a healthy family. Is it unethical to ask God for more money, or should I just be grateful for all the good things I have?

Killing Kaddafy

11/04/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Was it ethical to kill Muammar Kaddafy and Osama bin Laden on the spot, apparently in cold blood, rather than arrest them and bring them to trial? Didn’t it work for Iraq to try Saddam Hussein?

A – Yes, it was ethical to kill them right then and there.

Are Zoos Ethical?

10/27/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q – Given the recent Ohio tragedy involving a private zoo, in which dozens of exotic animals were killed, I was wondering whether it is ethical to have such zoos in the first place.

A Thousand Terrorists for Shalit?

10/11/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Editor's note: Earlier this year Rabbi Hammerman discussed the ethical implications of exchanging terrorists to save the life of an Israeli soldier. In light of the dramatic news of such a deal emerging from Israel he is revisiting that issue this week.

Q – Is the release of Gilad Shalit worth an exchange of a thousand Hamas prisoners, including some who have blood on their hands and could well kill more innocent Israelis (and others)?

Yom Kippur Reflections

10/06/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

As the Yom Kippur approaches, rather than present a specific ethical quandary I present some reflections and tips on what this holy day can mean for us as we perform the sacred act of engaging with other human beings and with God:

Ethics And The Death Penalty

09/28/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q – Was it right for the state of Georgia to execute Troy Anthony Davis?

Fasting Before A Marathon

09/22/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - My brother and I are running the Chicago Marathon which is the day after Yom Kippur. We want to fast, however we have been told that it is unwise to do so the day before running 26 miles. Since this is an ethical dilemma, we need your advice.

A – Well, at the very least, by observing Yom Kippur you could label yourself a “fast runner.” Sorry.

Ethics-ercises in Elul Soul Searching

09/09/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

As we approach the Days of Awe, our annual exercise in self scrutiny and stock-taking can be a daunting task. Rather than highlight a single ethical dilemma this week, I offer here some suggestions, some “ethics-ercises,” as it were, to assist you on this journey.

Postmortem Egg-Freezing And Halacha

09/02/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - A few weeks ago an Israeli court is believed to have made history by being the first to allow parents to extract and freeze the ovarian eggs of their recently deceased daughter. I know that's been done with a man's sperm, but this seems to cross an ethical red line, doesn't it?

Is Harry Potter Anti-Semitic

08/26/2011 | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. When I saw the latest Harry potter film I was appalled at the clear use of anti-Semitic stereotype in depictions of goblin bankers, miserly, hooked nose and all. And this is what we're showing our kids? Isn’t a tacit acceptance of such damaging stereotypes if we ignore them? Shouldn’t Jews be boycotting Harry Potter?

My Worst Enemy's Shiva

08/19/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. The mother of my worst enemy just died and I'm not sure whether to visit during Shiva. In truth, I sincerely see this as a chance to reconcile (we haven't spoken in about five years but have a lot of friends in common). My only concern is that he would misinterpret the reason for the visit and kick me out of the house. I really don't want to cause him any discomfort. What should I do?

Chasing The Mother Bird: A Strange Mitzvah

08/12/2011 | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: An acquaintance of mine recently boasted to me that he had happened upon a bird's nest and seized the opportunity to perform what he considered the mitzvah of shiluach hakan, scaring away a mother bird before taking the eggs. This mitzvah is intended to teach compassion, so that a bird should not have to watch the devouring of its young, but I find it hard to believe that it is meant as a mitzvah to be done in ordinary circumstances if one is not in dire need of the eggs.

Amy Winehouse And Cremation

08/04/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I have always been under the impression that cremation and tatoos are forbidden by Jewish law. Yet the recent funeral for Amy Winehouse was very Jewish in nature although the singer — who was amply tattooed — had asked to be cremated. Is cremation now accepted in Jewish quarters?

Free Speech for Inflammatory Rabbis?

07/28/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q – The recent police detainment of prominent right wing Israeli rabbis accused of incitement has been in the news lately. At issue is the halachic tract “Torat Hamelech," (the “Torah of Kings”) which allegedly condones the murder of non Jews in some circumstances. This is horrible, but how is it different from any artist or politician making an outlandish statement? Certainly those on the left have said equally inflammatory things. Are we discriminating against the rabbis? Aren’t they entitled to freedom of speech?<

A Thousand Terrorists for Shalit?

07/21/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q – Is the release of Gilad Shalit worth an exchange of a thousand Hamas prisoners, including some who have blood on their hands and could well kill more innocent Israelis (and others)?

Punching Your Ticket

07/08/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | JEWISH WEEK ONLINE COLUMNIST | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I frequently use a 10-trip punch card on the LIRR. Often the conductor fails to appear to punch the card before I get off. What is my obligation here? Should I tear up the card before it runs out to make up the difference or am I free to use it again as it is the responsibility of the railroad to collect the fare? This does not involve deception since I am ready to pay the fare.

Gay Marriage: A Moral Choice?

06/30/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I have some sympathy for gay marriage, just legalized in New York, but I can't understand how anyone who takes the Torah seriously could consider it the proper moral choice. I mean, the book of Leviticus is rather explicit in describing homosexuality as "an abomination." How can anyone get around that?

06/24/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - My daughter, a freshman on a large college campus, was invited to the home of a local rabbi for Friday night dinner. The rabbi is nontrivial affiliated with Hillel or any synagogue, but has gotten deeply involved in college life and invites groups of students to his home nearly every week. The kids seem to really enjoy it. Last weekend I found out one reason. The liquid refreshment flows freely, and I'm not just talking about Kiddush wine. On the one hand I'm glad my kid is doing something Jewish, but serving liquor to minors scares me.

Artificial Meat: Kosher or Not?

06/17/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I recently heard reports about the creation of artificial meat, using with animal stem cells. To this point, it exists only in a Petri dish, but it's time to start asking the tough questions. As one who keeps kosher and who is a vegetarian, would this kind of meat would be kosher - and would that be true even for pork? And since no killing would be involved, could a vegetarian eat this meat with a clear conscience?

A- As they say at Citi Field, it’s time to “Meet the Meats.”

Jewish Ethics and Anthony Weiner's Very Bad Week

06/09/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Does Rep. Weiner's admitted act of sending out explicit photos of himself disqualify him from public office? Is this a new form of adultery? Given the fact that "sexting" is so common these days among young people, will it become a political albatross comparable to pot smoking for aspiring pols who came of age in the '60s? After all, isn't this just a byproduct of the Internet revolution in the way that drug use was the byproduct of the counter culture?

Flooding a Town to Save Another

06/03/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q -In reading about the recent Mississippi River floods, it was shocking to see how spillways were opened in less populated areas, in effect deliberately flooding out thousands of homes in order to save more populated areas downstream. How can anyone justify wiping out entire communities like that? And conversely, is it right for people to deliberately move into areas that are known "spill zones," where flooding is known to occur.

Men Behaving Badly

05/27/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - In the wake of recent sex scandals involving Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Time Magazine ran a cover story asking the rhetorical question, "What Makes Powerful Me Act Like Pigs?" Ethically speaking, how does Judaism account for this constant abuse of power by piggish men?

Tattoos And Solidarity With Survivors

05/20/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I recall reading several years ago about a survivor's son who had engraved a tattoo on his arm to match the one borne by his father at Auschwitz. I understand that he meant it as a gesture of solidarity, but doesn't Jewish law prohibit tattoos?

Ethically, Is it Good to Die For Your Country?

05/13/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Every Israeli schoolchild learns the famous quote of a dying hero Joseph Trumpledor, "it is good to die for one's country." The line has always troubled me. Ethically speaking, is it really good to die for your country?

Is it Right to Celebrate Bin-Laden's Death?

05/05/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - The killing of Osama bin-Laden sent Americans out into the streets in spontaneous celebration. I saw the raucous scene outside the White House and it made me uncomfortable. Isn't it against Jewish practice to rejoice at the downfall of your enemies?

Sparing the Rod?

04/22/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I was shocked to read recently that corporal punishment is still legal in 20 states. I also know the famous quote from Proverbs, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” But on Passover we are taught to answer a child’s questions with patience. Is it ever acceptable for a parent or teacher to hit a child?
A - It is never appropriate to hit a child, at school or at home. Period.

Breaking Passover: Worse Than Illicit Sex?

04/15/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: A friend told me that in Jewish law, breaking Passover is considered as wrong as illicit sex. Can that possibly be true?

A: If you're insinuating that eating a bagel on Passover is akin to forcibly raping someone, exactly what planet do you live on?

Seder Guests and the Dysfunctional Family

04/07/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - "I heard from an observant friend that it is inappropriate to invite non Jews to a Seder; but doesn't it also say in the Haggadah, "Let those who are hungry come and eat?" So am I supposed to invite only Jewish homeless and hungry people? Plus, given my strained family dynamics, I think it would be best not to invite any guests at all. What's the ethical thing to do?

Is it Cruel to Force Dogs to Keep Passover?

03/31/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I've heard that pets are supposed to keep Passover. I'm fairly traditional regarding Passover and just got a dog. Isn't it cruel to force an innocent animal to change its entire diet for a whole week? It's hard enough for humans!

A- As the proud owner of two adorable standard poodles, one of whom is extremely neurotic, I can sympathize with you.

If I'm an Ethical Person, Does That Make Me a Good Jew?

03/24/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I have been struggling with some issues. I am not observant and the teacher of a class I've been taking has led me to believe that this makes me a bad Jew. I do lots of good deeds and am ethical in my actions. So can a good person be a bad Jew?

A - Relax. Loving your neighbor puts you are well on your way to being a "good Jew," whatever that means.

Is Drunkenness on Purim a No-No?

03/17/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - In an age where addiction is so widespread, is it ethical to promote drunkenness on Purim?

A. No it is not.

Live or Let Die?

03/06/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I am the designated medical surrogate for an individual who has a living will specifying DNR/Do Not Resuscitate. The physicians and hospital have been informed and have copies of the living will and DNR. Our loved one took a downward turn but the medical team resuscitated him. The patient prospered from their efforts and returned to his pre-resuscitation health status. Should I report the medical team for ethical non-compliance of the DNR/living will orders?

Is Jeter a Cheater?

02/18/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - With baseball’s spring training underway, I’m reminded of an incident from last season. Derek Jeter, one of the few superstars from the past decade not implicated in baseball’s steroid sample, was caught on video pretending to be hit by a pitch.

Snow Days, Facebook and Cheating

02/03/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I am a high school student. My math final was postponed because of a mid-day snow storm, but a friend of mine had taken the test earlier that day. That night while I was studying, I paused to take a peek at my Facebook news feed and saw that my friend had posted a page from the test. I didn't realize what it was at first so I looked at it. But when I realized what it was, I deleted it. I took the test the next day and did not say anything. I had studied hard and would have gotten those answers right anyway. Was I right to say nothing?

Gabrielle Giffords' Jewishness

01/13/2011 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I am a traditional Jew who subscribes to the traditional definition of Jewish identity (you are Jewish if your mother is Jewish or if you've converted). By this definition, Gabrielle Giffords is not Jewish. But by other definitions, including her own, she is. Given all she has done and what she has gone through, and given the strong possibility that her assailant attacked her in part because of her self-declared Jewish identity, what is the proper ethical response to all this?

Michael Vick and Forgiveness

12/30/2010 | JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Does Michael Vick deserve the accolades he is getting?

Photos at a Bris?

12/23/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - My son's bris is in a couple of days and lots of family and friends will be attending. I'm OK with people taking pictures but I really don't want photos of my son all over the Internet. What can I do?

The Ethics of WikiLeaks

12/10/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. Was the leaking of a trove of private diplomatic communications ethical? And once leaked, is it ethical for news organizations to publish them?

Airport Screenings and Jewish Ethics

11/26/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. Has airport security crossed the line? Things were far less complicated back when only Superman had X-ray vision. As long as we stayed clear of the Daily Planet, we were in the clear. Now, with the new airport security measures, nothing is hidden anymore - not even our privates are private. Is this a good thing?

Is 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Ethical?

11/15/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Is "Don't Ask Don't Tell" Ethical?

A. Since you're asking, I'll tell: "Don't Ask,, Don't Tell" is unethical.

Cliff Notes, Moby Dick - and Rashi

11/09/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: My teacher thinks I plagiarized an essay, but I didn’t. True, I looked at Cliff Notes about the assigned book, Moby Dick, but I also read much of it and only used the notes as a guide. So what’s wrong with that?

To Gift or Not To Gift, That is the Question

10/29/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. My daughter’s bat mitzvah will occur next December, and she is currently in 6th grade. Parents are encouraged to invite the entire Hebrew School class, but because the synagogue office has been giving out addresses by calendar year and not by grade, she is already getting a number of invitations from 7th graders whom she doesn’t know.

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul - At a Coffee Shop

10/20/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Last spring I lent $200 to a woman who works at a midtown coffee shop near my office. I've gone in there every day for years and have gotten friendly with her - in fact, I know her whole life story and we are on a first name basis. When I lent her the money to pay for an emergency medical procedure, she promised to pay me back, although I had my doubts that she would be able to.

I went away over the summer and when I came back to the coffee shop I decided not to mention the loan and see what would happen. But when I went to pay for my coffee she smiled and waved me by and said, "It's on the house." This has now happened for a couple of weeks and I suspect she is giving me the freebies to pay off the loan. The problem is, she doesn't own the shop. What do I do?

You Broke It, You Own It, Own Up to It

10/08/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. While visiting a friend, I almost tripped on an expensive piece of electronics that was not where it was supposed to be - in fact, it was on the floor, sticking out into the hallway, posing a hazard. When I hit it, I heard an ominous "crack." Obviously I did it some real damage, although it was not immediately visible.

My Big Fat Employee

09/21/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q – An employee of mine has put on a lot of weight. He really looks horrible. We are a service related enterprise and appearance counts. Plus, I’m concerned about the added health risks that could be harmful to his job performance (as well as to his personal life). Do I have the right to warn or suspend him?

Getting More Than You Paid For

09/03/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. I just came from the store, having bought an mp3 player. When I opened it I noticed that they had given me a newer, enhanced model, not the one I had paid for. The store is about 25 miles away. To return it I would be spending as much on gas for the round trip as I would have spent had I purchased the newer model. What is the ethical thing to do?

File Sharing: Kosher or Not?

08/13/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - Is it ethical to download and share current movies, songs and articles without paying for them?

It's hard to find a justification for the free use of video or music that people should be paying for. There's a reason they call it "piracy." But it all comes down to drawing the line between sharing and stealing.

Is it Ethical to Boycott BP?

08/03/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q- Do you think it's right for people to boycott BP and get their gas elsewhere, as punishment for the oil spill?

There is definitely a "punish at the pumps" mentality afloat with regard to BP and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and I must admit, I haven't stopped at a BP since it happened. Gassing up at BP in this hostile climate would be like wearing a mink at PETA convention.

Hanky Panky on a Shul Board

07/16/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q - I'm a shul president and I've just discovered that two of my board members have been carrying on an affair, using board meeting nights as cover for their trysts. I like them both and they are very hard workers. I like their spouses too. I'm not sure what to do. Do I confront them? Do I tell the rabbi? Do I kick them off the board?

Is It Ethical to Read My Husband's Email?

06/29/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. Is it ethical to read my husband’s email? I don't have reason to think he's cheating, but I' m the nervous type…

If you have no reason to suspect him, you would be putting far too much at risk by invading his privacy. You in fact would be the one guilty of betraying trust. Let it go.

Helen Thomas: Should We Forgive an Anti-Semite Who Apologizes?

06/10/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: The Helen Thomas case prompts a question: What she said on that video was horrible, but given the fact that she apologized and is so old, isn’t it in the spirit of Judaism to forgive her?

Is it OK to Hide a Fugitive From the Police?

06/07/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: You are out for a walk one night and you see a man running towards you. He looks terrified, stressed and panicked. He comes up to you with tears in his eyes and says, “I am going to hide right here. I can’t run anymore. I didn’t do anything wrong. Please, promise me you won’t tell them where I am!”

So you promise the man, he hides behind a bush and you keep walking.

No Handshake: Don't Take it Personally

06/01/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: Hey Rabbi-- I have a quick question. I met the Rabbi at the Chabad at our school. Anyways, I had a long conversation with him and when I went to leave I put out my hand to shake his hand and he politely declined. Does my hand have a disease? What's going on here?
Thanks and hope everything is well

A: No you don't have a disease!

The Ethics of Giving: Jewish vs. Non-Jewish?

05/18/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: My wife and I disagree about charitable giving. I believe most of our charitable dollars should go to helping our own Jewish people; she wants to give to local non-Jewish groups, like the homeless shelter and food bank. What's the magic formula about Jewish v. non-Jewish giving, according to Jewish law?

Should I be concerned about my kid's non-Jewish friend?

05/10/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. My daughter, 10, goes to a Jewish day school, but her best friend is a non-Jewish neighbor. Should I be concerned? What should I tell her?

A. There might be underlying reason for concern, though not specifically because her BFF isn’t an MOT (Member of the Tribe).

Animal Cruelty and Jewish Law

05/03/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: This may sound weird, but I think my neighbor is cruel to his pet beagle. I know that if this was a person we were talking about, Jewish law would obligate me to go to the authorities. But this is a DOG. What's my obligation here?

A. You need to pursue this. I say this not merely because I am life-long pet-o-phile, a vegetarian with two cuddly standard poodles. I say this also because it is the right thing to do. Jewish culture has long championed animal rights.

Coming Clean with a Fiancée

04/15/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q: I'm about to get married to the woman of my dreams. She knows I was married before; what she doesn't know is that the marriage broke up because I was a schmuck. Ethically speaking, how much do I need to tell her?

You have a right to privacy, but a relationship that begins with massive deception has little chance of long term success.

Should I Keep An Undeserved Bonus?

04/09/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Q. My boss has decided to give me a big bonus for something I only helped with; another worker deserves it more than I do. But I need the money, and she is pretty well off. What's the right thing to do?

A. Maybe your contribution was more integral to the success of the project than you realize. But, regardless, you should be forthcoming. Not only does our tradition demand honesty in how we conduct business, but it's really the most practical professional decision you can make.

Renting Dodger Stadium for a Bar Mitzvah

04/01/2010 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Question: My husband wants a lavish bar mitzvah for our son next year. I think it's wrong to spend $ 50,000 on a party for a 13 year old kid when so many of our fellow Jews are experiencing hard times. What does Jewish law have to say about this?

Should Mrs. Madoff have reported Bernie?

11/23/2009 | RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH WEEK | Hammerman on Ethics

Question: Should Mrs. Madoff have reported Bernie? What does Jewish law say about her obligations?

Let's assume for the sake of argument that Ruth knew about the Ponzi scheme and that Bernie's crimes were committed while of sound mind and body. From the public record there is little information about Bernie's mental state - aside from indications he is a grade-A sociopath, of course.

So should Ruth have blown the whistle on Bernie? By all means.

Family loyalty cuts deep in Jewish tradition, but not that deep.

"Hammerman on Ethics" - Jewish Week series