A man on his deathbed says 'this stranger is my son.' Is the stranger entitled to inherit?
A person's statement identifying someone as his heir is accepted whether made in health or on his deathbed, orally or in writing, even concerning a stranger not previously recognized as a relative.
Question 2
A man says 'this is my son,' then later says 'no, he is my servant.' Which statement stands?
Once a person establishes someone as his son, he cannot retract that declaration. The later denial of sonship is not accepted.
Question 3
A person passes customs and says 'this is my son' to avoid duty, then later says 'this is my servant.' Which is believed?
Because the initial declaration of 'son' was clearly made to avoid customs, it is not treated as sincere. When he later identifies the person as his servant, that is accepted.
Question 4
Reuven acknowledges Levi as their additional brother; Shimon says 'I don't know.' What happens to Levi?
Reuven's acknowledgment binds only Reuven. Shimon gets half, Reuven gets a third (since he admits to three brothers), and Levi gets a sixth — all taken from what would have been Reuven's half.
Question 5
May distinguished, well-known servants of a prominent household be called 'Abba' by the master's children?
The prohibition against calling servants 'Abba' or 'Imma' exists to prevent lineage confusion. When the servants are so famous that the entire community knows who they are, there is no risk, and it is permitted.