Ethics

Hi, I am writing an assignment on different Jewish perspectives regarding reproductive cloning for my study of religion class and just had a few questions. What are some Jewish views on reproductive cloning? Are the views different in orthodox and reform on reproductive cloning? What scriptures and core beliefs mainly inform these views? Thank you!

Is it a requirement according to Halacha to wear masks in public these days? The reality I see is that most people, including most Orthodox Jews, don’t wear masks in crowded places like retail stores and the synagogue. Trouble is, the failure to wear a mask poses a risk that one might spread COVID to another person, and then there is a chance that the person who catches COVID could die? And of course it is forbidden to put another’s life at risk. Even if the person one catches COVID from does not die, they could spread it to another person who might die. What is the role of Halacha in mask usage?

For many years, I’ve understood it is forbidden by halacha to enter a store and examine merchandise without any intention of buying it (commonly known as window shopping). The reason is that you are giving the merchant false hopes they will earn money that they really never will earn. In the age of the internet, I have found it is possible to read about merchandise for sale and examine it online even if one has no intention of buying it. I have done this often only to satisfy my curiosity about things I could never afford. I always thought this was a benign activity. But I have noticed over the years that when I do that, I receive ads for the very merchandise I have examined online, all without asking. I recently learned from an article I read that when you do this, not only do you trigger ads. But the company whose ads are being displayed to you actually pays on a per ad basis for those ads that come to your browser. In other words, one’s examination of merchandise on a website is costing that company money, whether you buy their merchandise or not. I understand companies have budgeted for this in their advertising funds. But what is the perspective of this in halacha?

Lashon hara. A colleague of mine is is asking about doing business and building a Relationship with someone I think is disingenuous and a conflict entrepreneur. I stay away from him and no longer keep in contact on social media. He is very enthusiastic about him. He asked me why I don't have contact with him and why I don't work with him. If I were to be honest I would tell him, but it would be mostly negative. However, he keeps pressing me and I feel like I'm being dishonest by not telling him what what I really think. He respects my opinion. How much can I say without it being lashon hara? Thank you.

If one who does not have a permit parks in a handicapped space, they are violating civil law and risk a fine. What Torah laws are being broken by someone who does this?

As the story goes in the Book of Genesis, Efron offers Abraham Avinu the cave of Machpela for free. Abraham wants to pay for it. Efron then charges him a hefty sum of money. He is frowned upon for doing so. I run a business where I sometimes offer to do free charity jobs for the poor or for people who are better off economically but have been through some rough times. Sometimes when I offer to do the assignment for free, the poor person still insists on paying me, in some cases quite a lot. It might hurt their feelings if I don’t accept. If I accept a payment such a payment, is that permitted, or does this behavior resemble Efron?

Hi, I was booking my summer trip to Israel and found a “glitch” on Delta's Website. They listed the first class seat as the price for the economy seat. I immediately bought the first class ticket because it was the cheapest fare solely due to this glitch . An hour later the glitch was fixed. However I got my first class ticket and bought it for $600 when the fee should have been 3500. Is this Genava? Did I steal because of this glitch?