hebrewscriptures:with rabbi aryyeh kaplan HEBREW SCRIPTURES: WITH RABBI ARRYEH KAPLAN
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
Don’t be wasteful It is forbidden to wastefully destroy any useful object, as we learn from the commandment, “You must not destroy [the city’s] trees” (Deuteronomy 20:19). One who wantonly destroys furniture or utensils, tears clothing, or wastes good food, is guilty of violating this commandment. Furthermore, if he does so in anger, it is considered as if he had committed idolatry. One should not destroy anything over which a blessing can be said, as it is written, “Do not destroy [the grapevine] for the blessing [over its wine] is in it.” (Isaiah 65:8).
All such destruction is only forbidden when it is without purpose. If there is any logical reason or use for it, it is permitted. Furthermore, where there is any question of health, it is certainly better to destroy one’s possessions than one’s well being.
It is similarly forbidden to damage or destroy another’s property, or to do anything which might even directly cause such damage. If one causes damage, he is required to make restitution, as it is written, “If one kills an [other’s] animal, he must pay for it, [the value of] a life for a life” (Leviticus 24:18).
Cheating and stealing It is forbidden to rob, steal or illegally hold on to any property or money, as we are commanded, “Do not steal… Do not [unjustly] withhold that which is due your neighbour. Do not rob” (Leviticus 19:11, 13). One must therefore be extremely careful not to take illegal possession of any money or property in any manner, no matter how trivial its worth, whether it be from an adult or a child.
It is forbidden to steal as a joke or to tease, even if one intends to return it immediately. The prophet thus says, “If a wicked man… pays for what he stole” (Ezekiel 33:15), from which we learn that stealing is considered wicked even if the thief originally intended to pay for or replace the stolen article.
We are commanded to return any property that is illegally in our possession, as the Torah states, “He must return the stolen article, the withheld funds, the article left for safekeeping, the found article” (Leviticus 5:23). If the stolen article is available and intact, it must be returned, otherwise, restitution must be made for its value at the time of the theft. If the owner has moved to a distant town, we are not required to bring the stolen article to him, but must inform him so that he can come and get it. If the owner dies, restitution should be made to his heirs.
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One who robs or cheats the public has no one to repay and can never actually rectify his crime.
One who robs or cheats the public has no one to repay and can never actually rectify his crime. However, he should do his best to work for the public welfare and supply public needs, in order that those from whom he stole can benefit indirectly. If he is able, he should also make a public confession and ask forgiveness.
It is forbidden to buy a stolen article, as one thereby becomes an accomplice to the thief and encourages him to steal more. Regarding this it is written, “One who shares with a thief hates his own soul” (Proverbs 29:24). It is likewise forbidden to make use of a stolen article or derive any benefit from it. One should therefore not buy anything that is likely to have been stolen or obtained dishonestly. One who deals with stolen property in any way is considered like one who robs the public, and his repentance is extremely difficult.
Other’s possessions Borrowing without permission is considered the same as stealing. It is therefore forbidden to make any use of another’s property or possessions without permission. This is true even when he is certain that such permission would readily be granted.
If one’s coat or other possessions are accidentally exchanged at a public gathering or party, he must restore the article to its rightful owner, even though his own might be irrevocably lost. Similarly, if another person’s clothing is returned in the laundry, or any similar situation, one should not use it in the interim, but rather make every attempt to restore it to its owner.
One should not accept anything that is given out of duress or shame. Accepting a present that is not given wholeheartedly is akin to theft. Regarding this we are cautioned, “He who is greedy of gain destroys his own house, but he who hates gifts shall live” (Proverbs 15:27). Therefore, one should not eat in a home where there is not enough food, or where the invitation is insincere, as we are taught, “Do not eat the bread of a stingy man” (Proverbs 23:6).
It is forbidden to desire another’s possessions, as we are commanded, “Do not desire your neighbour’s house, his field, his servant… or anything else that is your neighbour’s (Deuteronomy 5:18). If one forces the issue where an article is not for sale, and convinces the owner to sell it against his will, he is also guilty of violating the parallel commandment, “Do not be envious of your neighbor’s house… or anything else that is your neighbour’s” (Exodus 20:14). Both of these laws are in the 10 Commandments, and apply even where no dishonesty is involved.
One who places material considerations before his service of God is guilty of violating the commandment to love God above all
