Mitzvos Relating to Our Fellow Man

35: Returning a Find

"You shall surely return them." (Devarim 22:1)

If one finds something that belongs to someone, he is obligated to make efforts to return it. As with other mitzvos, there are various halalchos involved in fulfillment of this mitzvah. We will enumerate a few of them below.

When a person finds an item with identifying marks on it, he should not delay in announcing the find, because if he does the owner may give up in the interim and the mitzvah opportunity will be lost (Rambam, Hilchos Teshuva 4:3)

If an item does not have identifying marks, it should sometimes be left where it was found for the owner to return to it.

When there is a question over whether or not the owner has already given up on finding the item, it is suggested that one who finds it should pick it up on condition that he finds the owner. If the owner is not found, the finder reserves the right to acquire it for himself after the owner gives up (Pischei Choshen, p. 256).

If one doesn't find the owner, he can eventually record the information and sell the item or use it in the meantime (Iggros Moshe, Choshen Mishpat 2:255)

If you see someone's car lights left on, which can drain the battery, you have a mitzvah obligation to notify the owner.

Helping to heal someone (returning one's lost health) and helping with a shidduch ("returning" one's other half) are also included in this mitzvah.

Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.