Copying a Tape In Case It Gets Lost
QUESTION 59: COPYING A TAPE IN CASE IT GETS LOST
I own a set of Rabbi Reisman tapes. I wanted to have a friend
listen to one of the tapes that I particularly liked. As an
insurance against his losing the tape, can I make a copy of
the tape and put it in the closet? I won't use the copied
tape unless my friend, or someone else I lend it to, happens
to lose it. Then at least I will have a copy that I can
listen to again. I assume copying of tapes in general is
not allowed, but would this be a case where it would be
allowed?
RABBI BELSKY
Yes. It is customary to do this. If someone has an expensive
tape, and he's afraid of losing it, or he's afraid it might
get destroyed, he can make a copy of it.
NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION 60: WAITING IN A HOTEL LOBBY
There are two buses that go from the Wall Street area to
Monsey in the evening, about 40 minutes apart. One day I
just missed the first bus. Near the bus stop is a fancy new
hotel. Can I go into the lobby of the hotel to wait for the
next bus? Can I sit on a couch in the lobby? Can I use their
bathroom? Can I take out my laptop PC and do some work? Do
I have to ask at the reception desk if I can do these things?
Could I do such a thing if it happened every week?
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