Reuven married with a large public celebration. Shimon later married with a small private affair. Does Shimon owe Reuven shushvinut?
Shushvinut reciprocity requires symmetry. When one celebration was large and public and the other small and private, the obligation to repay in kind does not apply.
Question 2
Shimon sent Reuven shushvinut, ate at his wedding, but Reuven was out of the city. Afterwards, Shimon marries. What is Reuven obligated to do?
When the sender ate at the wedding but the receiver was absent, the cost of food eaten is deducted from the reciprocal obligation. Reuven pays the net amount.
Question 3
Shimon sent shushvinut to Reuven and died before ever marrying. Are Shimon's heirs entitled to shushvinut from Reuven when Reuven marries?
Shushvinut is not inherited. Among the five special rules, it explicitly does not pass to heirs — when Shimon dies before marrying, his heirs have no claim.
Question 4
Which of the following is TRUE about shushvinut that is NOT true of ordinary gifts?
One of the five special rules of shushvinut is that it can be expropriated by a court of law. Ordinary gifts cannot be compelled by court — but shushvinut, being a reciprocal obligation, can.
Question 5
A person sends wine and oil to a colleague at his wedding. Can he demand repayment in court?
The Rambam rules that jugs of wine and oil sent at a wedding are outright gifts — not shushvinut obligations — and cannot be recovered in court.