Translation:Shulchan Aruch/Choshen Mishpat/256

Paragraph 1- If a convert has a son who was not conceived while the father was Jewish, because the son would not inherit him, he cannot give him all or some of his properties as a dying gift, because the terms “inheritance” and “gift” when it comes to an inheritor are the same. If you were to say the son can acquire, it would result in him inheriting his father. Thus, if the deceased gave to any other convert, the gift would be valid. There are those who say that a convert cannot give any dying-gift to anyone other than via an admission. This seems to be the primary view. There are those who say that although a convert’s dying-gift is of no effect, we would still say it is a mitzvah to fulfill the deceased’s words if it was in the manner described at the end of Siman 252. There are those who disagree. One whose father is unknown has the status of convert with respect to a dying gift. Because there is a rabbinical dispute, we use the principle that the party trying to remove money has the burden of proof. If both had possession, they would divide.

Paragraph 2- If a gentile converted and gave a gift to his son that who was conceived while the father was a gentile, and he instructed his son to give a maneh to so and so, a female orphan, although the gift is of no effect, the son would acquire the orphan’s maneh on behalf of the orphan.

Paragraph 3- If a dying person confessed that he has such and such items of so and so and they should be given to him, his confession is valid, and we would give it to the recipient, even if it is the confession of a convert to his son who was conceived as a gentile or to a gentile. If a dying person instructs to give an idolater a gift, however, we would not listen to him because it is as if he instructed to commit a sin with his properties.

Paragraph 4- If he said, “so and so, my slave, should be set free,” or if he said he freed him or “he is hereby free,” we would compel the inheritors to free him. If he said, “so and so, my maidservant, shall be made satisfied,” we would satisfy her and not have her work other than work she wants to that other slaves do for their master in that location. There are those who say that if she wants, we would force them to free her.