Q. On (question 464) when someone tries to give me a piece of Torah that they have written that Horav Miller said; that he should give it back and say politely that you are unable to read it. Why is that so?
A. If you take it just for the purpose of placing it on the shemos box, you may transgress on a theft prohibition as you took an object that if the giver knew you would immediately discard, he would probably not have given it to you. After all, for the author it has some value, since he may find a more appreciative recipient. Then again, not accepting it because you disregard the value or importance of the document is affronting and offending to the author. There are a number of possible prohibitions involved in causing pain to others. Therefore Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it is best to return it and very politely inform the giver that you are wanting but unable to read it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
