(c) Apr 18 2001 RashiYomi Inc. MY COLLECTED & INDEXED MAIL JEWISH POSTINGS-Ver #1
Individual Postings 1st appeared(& were copied in html form) on the Email List Mail Jewish

From: rhendel@king.mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Date: Tue, 28 May 1996 19:56:37 -0400
Subject: 411 and Advanced talmudic Methods

In amusing response to questions on use of a 411 line in a house where
visually impaired children can use it [Chaiyim Shpairo, Vol 23 #99;
Janice Gel Vol 24 #07] let me cite the classical *object-person*
distinction which everyone beginning advanced talmud quickly learns.

The permissability to use a 411 line is clearly a permissability in the
object (cheftzah) and not in the people using it (Gavrah).  Hence all
people may legally use the phone.

Of course the reason for interpreting the law this way is because one
cannot enforce a permissability on people.

Therefore a LIFNIM MESHURATH HADIN would require that people with good
sight not use it.

To support this I quote the famous story about the Chafetz Chayim who
would tear up a stamp when ever a messenger would bring him a letter in
order not to deprive the Russian government of the revenue they should
have received (had mail vs a messenger) been used.  Clearly this is
Lifnim meshurah hadin.

Just thought I would practice my "lamdus skills" in public.

Russell Hendel, rhendel @ mcs . drexel . edu