Product found in a supermarket cart | Sheilot

Product found in a supermarket cart

Question

I found a product in a supermarket cart at the cart station in the parking lot of a shopping center, in an area with a mixed population: charedim, religious, secular people, and non-Jews. The place is not guarded, and I took the product. Am I obligated in the mitzvah of returning a lost object, or may I acquire the product for myself according to the laws of lost property?

Answer

Shalom u’vracha 

You may take it for yourself. 

This is an item without any identifying sign, and due to the nature of the place, the owner gives up hope of its being returned. 

Answered 3 April 2026 How answers are reviewed
Rabbi Israel Cohen
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
About the Rabbi

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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)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