Do I have to pay?

Hi, I recently was invited to a party where the admission was $15. I told the host I would come. She probably bought the food in accordance with how many people told her that they would come. The day of the party, it was snowing, and I was afraid to drive in the snow so I missed the party. Am I still obligated to pay the one running the party $15, since she probably made the cheshbon for buying food according to how many people were coming?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Your concerns are legitimate; however, you do not need to pay since, firstly, the organizer hasn't approached you to claim the money. Since this is only a doubt, we can therefore assume he forgave you, especially since you did not explicitly ask him to buy on your behalf. Also, generally, they buy approximately, not an exact amount. However, even though you may be exempt from paying, you can still approach the organizer, to apologize, and explain that you intended to come but because of the snow, it was not possible, etc.

Bava Metzia 44-49a; Rambam, Hilchot Mechira 7:3,9; CM 190:1, 204:1,4,11.

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