Reuven acquires a field for Shimon without Shimon's knowledge. What are Shimon's options?
When property is acquired for someone without their knowledge, the intended recipient has the upper hand — he can accept or decline. We may acquire a benefit for someone outside their presence, but we cannot cause them a loss.
Question 2
A Canaanite servant sells property belonging to his master without permission. What is the master's recourse?
When a servant buys, sells, or gives property, the master has the upper hand — he may ratify or void the transaction by mere verbal declaration. No formal kinyan is needed for the master's ratification.
Question 3
A husband sells land his wife brought into the marriage (nichsei tzon barzel). She confirms with a kinyan. Can she later void the sale?
Even if the wife confirmed with a kinyan, the sale of property she brought to the marriage can be voided by her later. She can claim 'I only did it to generate satisfaction for my husband.' This protection is categorical.
Question 4
A court sells an orphan's field to pay debts. A guardian separately gives away some of the orphan's movables as a gift. Which act is valid?
Courts and guardians may buy and sell on behalf of orphans — these transactions are binding. However, gifts of orphan property are void because one cannot give away what doesn't belong to oneself.
Question 5
On Shabbat, Reuven transfers a field to Shimon with a formal kinyan. What is the halachic status of this transaction?
A sale or kinyan performed on Shabbat is forbidden and the violator receives lashes. However, the commercial transaction itself is valid and binding. The deed recording it is written after Shabbat. The Hilchot Mechirah conclude with this ruling.