Damaged Borrowed Garment
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Question
Hello, I wanted to ask if my friend bought a skirt but eventually didn't want it and passed it to another friend, who lent it to me. I wore it and got it caught on a bench in the synagogue, creating a small hole that can't be sewn. Do I need to buy her a new skirt? Even though she didn't buy it, she received it as a gift. She claims I should. The skirt cost 100 shekels.
Answer
Hello
It doesn't matter whether the friend paid for the skirt or received it as a gift; now the skirt is hers, and the one who damaged it is obligated to compensate her for its value.
The issue here is whether the hole was made during normal use, in which case the user is exempt, or if it was due to negligent use, which is considered causing damage.