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Returning Lost Objects: Difference between revisions
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# A unique wrapper, envelope, or basket is considered a siman. <Ref>S”A C”M 262:19-20 </ref> | # A unique wrapper, envelope, or basket is considered a siman. <Ref>S”A C”M 262:19-20 </ref> | ||
## An envelope from a local bank is not a siman, while a envelope from a foreign bank can be a siman. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg 162) </ref> | ## An envelope from a local bank is not a siman, while a envelope from a foreign bank can be a siman. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg 162) </ref> | ||
# An item that’s attached to the item can function as a siman such a tag. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg 163) based on S”A C”M 262:18 </ref> | # An item that’s attached to the item can function as a siman such a tag. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg. 163) based on S”A C”M 262:18 </ref> | ||
# The location where the item was placed is a siman. <Ref>S”A 262:3, 9 </ref> The claimant must identify the specific location within the property and not just the general area or property where it was left. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg 163) </ref> | # The location where the item was placed is a siman. <Ref>S”A 262:3, 9 </ref> The claimant must identify the specific location within the property and not just the general area or property where it was left. <Ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg 163) </ref> | ||
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# It’s appropriate that the administration of a public establishment put up a sign or made an announcement that will let those who go there that if objects are left there until a certain date the establishment will do as they see fit with the objects. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A C”M 259,271 #28) </ref> | # It’s appropriate that the administration of a public establishment put up a sign or made an announcement that will let those who go there that if objects are left there until a certain date the establishment will do as they see fit with the objects. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A C”M 259,271 #28) </ref> | ||
==If | ==If it’s not Befitting to Return a Lost Object== | ||
# For a respected or elderly individual, if it’s not befitting to pick up and return a lost object then one is exempt from the mitzvah and doesn’t have to pick up the object. <ref>S”A C”M 263:1 </ref> | # For a respected or elderly individual, if it’s not befitting to pick up and return a lost object then one is exempt from the mitzvah and doesn’t have to pick up the object. <ref>S”A C”M 263:1 based on Mishna Baba Metzia 29b and Gemara 30a, Aruch Hashulchan 263:1, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 157. see there note 69 where he quotes Shulchan Aruch Harav CM Hilchot Metzia Seif 36 that even it isn't specifically an exemption for a talmid chacham but includes someone distinguished for other reasons such as wealth, family or any other reason. He adds though that this exemption would not exist for someone who only feels distinguished because of an inflated ego. </ref> If he can wait there without compromising his dignity until someone else comes to pick it up and return it, he must do so.<ref> Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 157-158</ref> | ||
# | # The general rule is that if the individual would not have picked his own item in such a situation, then he is exempt. <ref>S”A C”M 263:1 based Rava's comment on Baba Metzia 30b, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 158</ref> However, had one picked up one’s own item because it’s not worth the trouble (and not because it’s beneath one’s dignity), one is still obligated in the mitzvah. <ref> Mamon Yisrael (Halachos of Others People’s Money by Rav Pinchas Bodner, pg. 158), S”A HaRav (Hilchot Metziah #37) </ref> | ||
# In a place where such an individual would not be embarrassed, one is obligated in the mitzvah. <ref>S”A C”M 263:2 </ref> | # In a place where such an individual would not be embarrassed, one is obligated in the mitzvah. <ref>S”A C”M 263:2 </ref> | ||
# Even if one is exempt it’s proper and good to go beyond the letter of the law and return the object. <ref>S”A C”M 263:3 </ref> | # Even if one is exempt it’s proper and good to go beyond the letter of the law and return the object. <ref>S”A C”M 263:3 </ref> However, some argue that a Talmid Chacham may not go beyond the letter of the law at the expense of the kavod for his Torah.<ref> Rama 263:3 argues on Shulchan Aruch and says that one may not return the item if it is beneath his dignity. Instead, if he wants to be strict he can pay out of his own pocket. Aruch Hashulchan 263:4 explains that the Rama's comment is only regarding a talmid chacham, whose dignity stems from the Torah he has acquired. People who are distinguished for other reasons, may be strict and go beyond the letter of the law to return an object. | ||
# A woman is obligated in [[Hashavat Aviedah]] however if it’s not befitting to pick up such an object then one is exempt. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A C”M 259,271 #4) </ref> | # A woman is obligated in [[Hashavat Aviedah]] however if it’s not befitting to pick up such an object then one is exempt. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A C”M 259,271 #4) </ref> | ||
