Returning Items Stolen During Childhood

As a child, someone stole small, inexpensive items from other children, and may have continued doing so for up to a year after becoming bar or bat mitzvah. They are now 21 and feel embarrassed to contact former classmates or friends to ask forgiveness, especially since they have lost touch with them. Some of the classmates had also bullied the person, and the person was glad when contact was lost. They also still have one low-value item taken from a friend years ago, which the friend likely gave up on after assuming it was lost. How can this person do full teshuva?

Thank you for your question.

Regarding what one stole before Bar Mitzvah, me’ikar hadin one is exempt from returning it. However, kedei latzeis yedei Shamayim, one needs to return the item if one still it. or the value if it was lost.

Regarding what one stole after Bar Mitzvah, one is obligated to return it or its value. If one still has the item, one must return the item itself.

If one does not know from whom one stole, one can donate its value to a tzedakah that serves tzorkhei rabbim.

One does not need to return the stolen item in person, one may do so through a shaliach. Therefore, you can return it through a third party without the recipient knowing who sent it.

Wishing you a gut kvittel.

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