[Avodah] Choice in mitzvot

[Zev Sero via Avodah]

On 23/02/17 17:13, Micha Berger via Avodah wrote:
> On Thu, Feb 23, 2017 at 04:14:02PM -0500, Zev Sero via Avodah wrote:
> : In any event there's no question that the chiyuv to redeem the son
> : is unconditional, and if he'd really prefer to keep the money then
> : it's his tough luck.
>
> I would make a similar objection to yibum vs chalitzah. The only thing
> that balances the scales is our sharing Abba Shaul's concern that today's
> yavam is too likely to be more interested in the yevamah as nearly
> "forbidden fruit" than with haqamas sheim. But clearly from the format
> of yibum, the guy is villified for choosing it (back when we gave him
> the choice).

Vilified, but he has the right.  If he chooses chalitza he may be a 
naval, but he has reshus hatorah.  With pidyon haben there is no choice. 
  It doesn't matter how much he hates his son and loves his money, he 
must pay up.  and there is no alternative if he doesn't; he's simply a 
scofflaw.



-- 
Zev Sero                May 2017, with its *nine* days of Chanukah,
zev at sero.name           be a brilliant year for us all