If one lent or rented an animal to a non-Jew with a condition to return it before Shabbat, but the non-Jew delayed and Shabbat has arrived — what should the Jew do to avoid a Torah prohibition?

ShabbatBusiness and Commerce

Synopsis

When the non-Jew has not returned the animal before Shabbat as agreed, the Jew can declare the animal ownerless (hefker) or 'sell' it to the non-Jew. Debate centers on whether this can be done privately (bein atzmo l'atzmo) or requires three witnesses.

Early Acharonim
Late Acharonim
Lenient
Strict
Lesser cited
Major authority

Discussion

Discussion coming soon.

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