Halachic Highlights

Question: May one throw out an old, worn-out sefer that does not have the name of Hashem written in it? What about the binding or cover of such a sefer?

Hashem’s Other Names

Question: May one erase or throw out a paper that contains a name of Hashem other than the seven main names?

Short Answer: Certain names of Hashem require burial and may not be discarded into the garbage. However, many poskim are lenient with these names for various reasons.

Question: May one erase or throw out a paper with the name of a person who has Hashem’s name (such as alef and lamed) within the letters of his name (e.g., Shmuel, Yechezkel, etc.)?

Question: May one write and then erase the letters alef and daled of Hashem’s name (sheim “adnus” – i.e., alef, daled, nun, yud)?

Question: May one erase or throw out a paper that contains the English word “G-d” (with a hyphen)?

Short Answer: There is certainly room to be lenient and throw out a paper containing the English word “G-d” (with a hyphen).

Question: When a rebbe causes financial loss to a student, may the student sue the rebbe for damages?

Short Answer: A student may sue his rebbe if the rebbe causes the student financial loss. However, the poskim frown upon such practice.