Blog

Noah's Ark floats on water in the middle of a flood 3d render

There are lots of things in this world which are good and lots which are bad. Some are painful but necessary for a greater good.&nbsp;Where do Taxes fall on this spectrum?The Torah commands all of humanity with seven universal Mitzvos. The שבעה מצות של בני נח are the basic framework of morality which the Torah demands from all human being.The Gemoro (Sanhedrin 56a) lists the seven Mitzvos, the first of which is דינין – laws. The Gemoro elaborates (ibid 56b) that the same way Jews must establish judges and courts in every town and city, so too gentiles must establish judges and courts in every town and city.&nbsp;There is a debate as to the purpose of these judges and subsequently the parameters of the Mitzva of דינין. The Rambam (Melachim 9:14) says that the judges are there only to judge the other six Mitzvos. The Ramban (Bereishis 34:13) expands the role of the Judges to have jurisdiction over all monetary matters. Anything from theft, to land law, to employment disputes are in the purview of these judges.The Ramban views having a civilized society of property rights and civil laws as a basic universal human need. As the Mishna (Avos 3:2) teaches us, pray for the peace of the government, for without the fear of them people would swallow each other alive.Rav Bartenura explains that the rule of nature is that the big takes advantage of the weak, the strong crush the poor. The Tiferes Yisrael notes the word “swallow” has the connotation of the abuser being uninhibited. Without fear of repercussions a criminal doesn’t have to chew over his decision, he can simply “swallow” the little man.Where do Taxes fall in?Putting aside the inbuild inevitability of any government’s propensity towards waste and corruption. The Torah does in principle believe in law and order. All humans are obligated to put together systems which ensure society functions and the vulnerable are looked after. Taxation to some level is a vital part of any such system.This approach most certainly isn’t a justification or support for any specific tax policy. These have always been subject to be major debate until this day in every country. Where should the burden fall? How much should we invest in to law and order? What other services should be publicly funded? For sure you’ll have two Jews and three opinions on any of the specifics.For any swallowing related or other financial issues you require assistance with please reach out at aharon@goldwaterfs.co.il.Good Shabbos.

Noach 5786 - Taxes are so Good

Back to the beginning. What was the first ever tax? Who charged it, how much was it and how did people avoid it?The earliest archeologic records of taxation are traced back to the Mesopotamian kingdom of the Third Dynasty of Ur.&nbsp;They’ve found clay “documents” accounting for various tax payments and receipts signed by government clerks. Produce, livestock and slaves were taxed at various rates. There are even records of penalties for late payments.&nbsp;Evasion tactics were remarkably similar to those employed today. Underreporting income, hiding assets and good old bribery. There is record of a farmer excusing himself from tax payment because his goats died. &nbsp;Nothing has changed.There’s only one problem with this tax system. The archeologists claim is that this whole system happened during the 22nd Century BCE. According to the Chazal the world was under water for over a year exactly during that time. How do we reconcile the traditions of the Torah and archeologic evidence?Moreover, what can this teach us about the age-old question of the age of the Universe? An important axiom in this discussion is that evidence of age does not imply actual age. If one starts from the premise that God made the Universe one can ask a simple question. How old did the Universe look when it was created?The Gemoro in Chullin (60a) says that all creations were created “in their full size, consciousness and beauty.” (Translation following the Aruch.)Hashem didn’t create a world that “looked” brand new. The world which Hashem created was made fully populated with all forms of wild and plant life, roaring oceans, wild rainforests and boiling deserts. He created a world filled with evidence that it existed for billions of years.There is no logical argument that Hashem needs to make the world look only 5786 years old. Why wouldn’t Hashem throw in a few pieces of outdated paperwork to make us feel at home?For any goat related or other financial issues you require assistance with please reach out at aharon@goldwaterfs.co.il.Good Shabbos.

Torah & Taxes Blog

Noach 5786 - Taxes are so Good

Bereishis 5786 - Tax and the Age of the Universe