Thus far we have seen that there are a number of Torah prohibitions with regard to paying a worker on time. Accordingly, this is a very serious matter that should be treated with the same level of care as all Torah prohibitions. The authorities give a number of suggestions as to how one can avoid the pitfall of transgressing bal tolin[2].

1. It is advisable to have the money ready to pay before hiring the worker. If there is any possibility that the employer will not be available to pay the worker when he has completed his work, he should make arrangements to have someone else there who will pay.

2. When a worker is hired through an intermediary there is no bal tolin. Therefore, the Gemara advises that if the employer is concerned that he may not arrive in time to pay the worker, then he should ask someone else to hire the worker for him. By doing this, even if the employer is not able to pay on time, he did not transgress bal tolin. Needless to say, this should not be used as an excuse to avoid paying on time when the employer is able to pay and be present at the time of payment.

We will continue next time with more suggestions how to avoid bal tolin

1. Much of the information for this essay is taken from “Halachos of Other People’s Money” by Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner.

2. This is the generic term that covers all the Mitzvos relating to paying a worker. It literally means, ‘don’t delay overnight’.

Text Copyright © 2009 by Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen and Torah.org Visit Rabbi Gefen’s new blog at rabbiygefen.blogspot.com. Rabbi Gefen’s new book, The Guiding Light, is now available! To order, please contact Rabbi Gefen at [email protected] or 00972 52 761 9935.