Ethics

For the week ending 5 June 2010 / 22 Sivan 5770

"Minor" Damages

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

Question: My ten-year old, while playing, did some damage to a neighbor's property and now my neighbor claims that I am responsible for compensating him. What is the right thing to do?

Answer: While it would be a nice thing for you to offer compensation, there is no halachic responsibility for damage caused by a minor. Your son, as well, has no responsibility to pay even when he grows up, but it is a good idea for him to repent his act at that time.

Minors who behave as juvenile delinquents and cause ongoing trouble must be dealt with by the rabbinical court which has the authority to take proper measures to keep them under control.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Ethics

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.