Halocho # 446 - Retrieving stolen goods

 Yesterday we learned that one should buy certain religious items at their fair price, even of they were stolen.

As a general rule, one may not buy goods from a thief; whether he is Jewish or not, since non-Jews are also forbidden to steal.

Buying from a thief encourages him to steal, which is a sin in itself.

One may buy stolen goods to return them to their rightful owner, if there's no other way to retrieve them.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 182:8

- Danny
Tuesday, 23 Marcheshvan 5770

Halocho # 445 - Buying stolen goods

One should not buy stolen Sefer Torah, Tefillin or Mezuzot for more than their worth, so as not to encourage them to be stolen.

However, if one is offered them at market value, one must buy them, even if they are no longer Kosher.

If the thief is asking above market value then one should bargain with him to try get the price down; if he insists on a higher price, then one does not buy them.

One should not offer a ridiculously low price so as not to annoy the seller, lest he get angry and destroy the religious items.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 28:11

- Danny
Monday, 22 Marcheshvan 5770