Asmachta
Encyclopedia
In Jewish law, an Asmachta is a conditional commitment or promise that a person makes, but actually has no intention of keeping. The agreement is not considered binding, and the commitment is considered null and void.
Controversy exists as to whether various forms of gambling
, including games of chance and lottery tickets, are considered to be an Asmachta.
An unrelated meaning of Asmachta is a Rabbinic prohibition or requirement that is hinted to in the Torah, but is not, in fact, one of the 613 Mitzvos.
Two examples of Asmachta:
1) In Baba Batra: "Mashlish et Shitaro" Let's say Kenny owes Simon $1000. Kenny pays Simon half of that, $500, and tells him that he will pay him the other $500 at a later time. Kenny must also give a document of "I.O.U." to a third party, let's say Erica. This document says that he will pay the other half, $500. by a certain time. If he does not pay the amount, this case can be taken to court, and Kenny has to pay Simon the full $1000 over again.
2) In Baba Metziah: "Im oveer v'lo ashalem alpha zuzey" This is talking about a person who is counting on not having to pay a sum to the person he owes it to. If Kenny says he will pay money to Simon if he does not do the work Simon assigns to him. But Kenny does not really want to commit to paying money to Simon, so he is committing to something he does not want to do.
Controversy exists as to whether various forms of gambling
Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods...
, including games of chance and lottery tickets, are considered to be an Asmachta.
An unrelated meaning of Asmachta is a Rabbinic prohibition or requirement that is hinted to in the Torah, but is not, in fact, one of the 613 Mitzvos.
Two examples of Asmachta:
1) In Baba Batra: "Mashlish et Shitaro" Let's say Kenny owes Simon $1000. Kenny pays Simon half of that, $500, and tells him that he will pay him the other $500 at a later time. Kenny must also give a document of "I.O.U." to a third party, let's say Erica. This document says that he will pay the other half, $500. by a certain time. If he does not pay the amount, this case can be taken to court, and Kenny has to pay Simon the full $1000 over again.
2) In Baba Metziah: "Im oveer v'lo ashalem alpha zuzey" This is talking about a person who is counting on not having to pay a sum to the person he owes it to. If Kenny says he will pay money to Simon if he does not do the work Simon assigns to him. But Kenny does not really want to commit to paying money to Simon, so he is committing to something he does not want to do.