DINA DE-GARMEI: Ramban’s Treatise on Liability for Consequential Damage

How does halakhah assign liability when a person causes another’s loss without directly damaging his property?

In Kuntres Dina de-Garmei, Ramban undertakes a systematic analysis of this difficult question. Drawing upon Talmudic discussions scattered across numerous tractates, he defines the category of dina de-garmei, distinguishes it from other forms of indirect damage, and develops a comprehensive theory of causation and monetary liability.

This volume presents the first translation of Ramban’s treatise into any language. The complete work appears in a carefully prepared English translation, accompanied by an introduction and extensive explanatory notes. The commentary identifies Ramban’s sources, reconstructs the Talmudic arguments to which his terse language alludes, clarifies the positions of the principal medieval authorities, and traces the practical and conceptual implications of their disagreements. The original Hebrew text is also included.

Designed for serious students of Talmud and halakhah, this edition makes one of Ramban’s most important—and most demanding—legal works accessible for sustained study while preserving the precision, density, and intellectual character of the original.