Child Broke a Bottle of Wine
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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.