Q. I live in Israel. This week I was using a vending machine in the train station. Suddenly it started spitting out coins.
After collecting them all, I had over 170 shekel.
Do I need to return the money?
There will probably not be a kiddush Hashem, because they'll ask me to send money in the mail. They won't see me in person, so they won't know I'm frum.
If I don't need to return it, then should I give it to tzedaka?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you must return the money. Otherwise you will be stealing from a Jewish individual or company.
You may write a note or an email when returning the money to the owners, stressing the importance that our Torah places on honesty and rectitude. Thus whoever receives it, will understand why it is being returned and it can create a Kiddush Hashem.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
