In Issue 74, we discussed some principles of the mitzva of hashovas aveida and the chiyuv to return a lost object; some principles of yiush and the chiyuv to publicize an object one finds; a suggestion regarding small objects which must be set aside until Eliyahu comes; and more. In the current issue, we will present some common hashovas aveida shailos and halachos we have dealt with recently as an aid to help the tzibbur at large know what to do when they encounter common situations.
Seriousness of the Chiyuv
Violates multiple mitzvos. One who does not return a lost object violates multiple mitzvos. Besides for the mitzvos specifically concerning hashovas aveida [the mitzvas asei of “השב תשיבם ;” the lav of “לא תוכל להתעלם ”; and sometimes the lav of “לא תגזול” if one picks it up without intent to return it], one violates other mitzvos as well, e.g., “לא תעמוד על דם רעיך ” (ספר המצוות ל''ת רצ''ז, אהבת חסד פתיחה לאוין ג'); “לא תונו איש את עמיתו ” (ספה''מ ל''ת ר''א, חינוך מצוה שלח); and “ואהבת לרעך כמוך ” (ספה''מ ע' ר''ו, חינוך מ' רמג ).
Prevents teshuva. Among the 24 things the Rambam lists as obstacles to teshuva is “One who finds a lost object and does not publicize it to return it to its owner. When he later does teshuva, he does not know who to return it to” (רמב''ם פ''ד הל' תשובה ה''ג, שערי תשובה ש''א אות נ''ב ).
