הלכות ומנהגים
Returning lost item
- כ"ח אדר ב' התשע"ט
שאלה
I found a package by my neighbor steps in the snow and could have been taken by anyone, 4 months after they move to Israel, I tried to contact them several times with no reply, so may I keep it and use it, it's an electronic home device, they are wealthy family and very sure they dont need it, I'm surprised they didn't leave a forwarding address, it's been on my mind , can you clear it for me, Todah Rabah
תשובה
To the Questioner,
Since a package which is delivered has the name of the owners on it, it does not leave the original owner's possesion, even if it was outside in a place where others could have taken it.
You should therefore continue to try your best to locate your neighbors new contact information (for example, maybe they left a forwarding address at the Post Office).
Even if you are unsuccessful at the present time to locate your previous neighbors, the halacha requires that you hold the item for them until such time that you can return it.
Therefore, it cannot be used in the meantime.
With blessings,
Rabbis at Hidabroot
להרחבה ושאלות נוספות, ניתן לפנות אל רבני שו"ת הידברות במייל rav2@htv.co.il