A prohibited transaction

Hi,

A transaction which violates a halachah, such as sale of a Torah scroll for something of lesser sanctity, is still valid. However, it is possible to suggest that where a party to the sale did not know he was breaking the law, he could claim that this was a sale made under a false impression - מקח טעות - and therefore not bringing.

(Pitchei Choshen Kinyanim 1:25-26 and footnote 48)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Donation plaques

Hi,

When a Sefer Torah is donated to a shul, and a plaque is attached with particular names, those plaques may not be removed. Even if the Torah is given entirely as a gift, it is understood that the gift is conditioned upon the presence of those plaques.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:39)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Selling a sefer torah

Hi,

There is a view that one who writes (or funds the writing of) a Torah and then gives it away has not fulfilled his obligation to write a Torah. Therefore, it is assumed, by default, that people who 'donate' a Torah to a shul for its use only mean to lend it to the shul, and are not actually giving it to the shul.

Therefore, a shul may not sell a Torah which was donated to the shul; the Torah is not truly theirs.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:39)

Have a great day,
Mordechai