Child Broke a Bottle of Wine

Damages

This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.

Go to original →

Question

I went with my one-and-a-half-year-old son to a store selling food for Shabbat. The child was sitting in the cart and broke a bottle of wine that was on the shelf. Do I have to pay the high price the store demands, or can I say that elsewhere the price is lower, and I will pay what it's worth, not what you could have sold it for?

Answer

Hello,

According to the law, you are exempt from payment, but to fulfill your duty before Heaven, you should pay, and it is customary for the father to pay.

Payment is made according to the price set in this store.

Source

Mishna Berura, Siman 343, S"K 9

It is good for him - A minor who stole or caused damage, it is appropriate for the court to punish him so that he does not become accustomed to it [and likewise with injury and shame, and all matters between a person and his fellow, the court is commanded to prevent him so that no mishap occurs through him], but there is no need to pay if the theft is not in sight. And all this is by law, but beyond the letter of the law, whether he injured him bodily or damaged his property, he must pay.

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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah

Help us answer more questions faster and better

Join the mission