Accidental Damage in a Shared Room
Question
Hello, I am at a summer camp, and many girls are sleeping in one room. I sleep on a bunk bed, and next to the bed there are closets with a top shelf where the girls place their belongings. I put my phone there so it can serve as an alarm clock. One girl placed her electric toothbrush there, right on the edge. When I got up because of the alarm clock and took my phone, the toothbrush fell to the floor. Am I obligated to buy her a new electric toothbrush?
Answer
Hello and blessings
The ruling of the dayanim of the Beit Hora’ah:
If this was a natural action done without paying attention while still half-asleep, there is no obligation to pay.
However, if she should have looked carefully, and this is a place designated for the toothbrush, she must pay.
The ruling is not binding, since both sides were not heard
Source
See Choshen Mishpat, siman 378.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
