07-04-2007, 04:54 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-20-2007, 01:50 AM by Director Michael.)
Shalom Donny,
Theft is a very grave sin. It was this sin that was the last straw and brought on the flood. See also Jonah 3:8. Even unintentional theft is forbidden, once it has been discovered. Since the store owner did not give you the money knowingly, and once he does know he will not tell you to keep it, you must return it. One must not use another person's property without their permission, and since the storekeeper has not given you permission to "borrow" the money, you may not use it.
Theft is a very grave sin. It was this sin that was the last straw and brought on the flood. See also Jonah 3:8. Even unintentional theft is forbidden, once it has been discovered. Since the store owner did not give you the money knowingly, and once he does know he will not tell you to keep it, you must return it. One must not use another person's property without their permission, and since the storekeeper has not given you permission to "borrow" the money, you may not use it.
Rabbi Yitz