Today’s daf TB Baba Metzia 33 concludes the second chapter of our masseket. When it comes to returning multiple lost objects belonging to different people, whose lost object gets preference?
“If one
finds his lost item and his father’s lost item, tending to his
own lost item takes precedence. Similarly, if one finds his lost item
and his teacher’s lost item, tending to his own lost item takes
precedence.
“If one finds his father’s lost
item and his teacher’s lost item, tending to his teacher’s lost item
takes precedence, as his father brought him into this world (the underlying reason for the mitzvah of
honoring parents is hakarat hatov הַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב. Hakarat hatov is
the Hebrew term for gratitude. It literally means "recognizing the good"), and his teacher, who taught
him the wisdom of Torah, brings
him to life in the World-to-Come. And if his father is a Torah scholar,
then his father’s lost item takes precedence.” (Sefaria.org
translation) As you know, Torah scholars wrote the Talmud. To paraphrase Mel
Brooks, “It’s good to be a Torah scholar.”
The Gemara explains why your loss item always comes first, but warns the danger of being so self-centered that you neglect others.
“With regard
to precedence in the return of lost items, the Gemara asks: From where are
these matters derived? Rav Yehuda says that Rav says that the
verse states: “Only so that there shall be no needy among you” (Deuteronomy
15:4). This verse can be understood as a command, indicating that it is
incumbent upon each individual to ensure that he will not become needy.
Therefore, your property takes precedence over the property of
any other person.
“And Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: Although that is the halakha, anyone who fastidiously fulfills this principle with regard to his property at the expense of others’ property ultimately comes to experience that fate. He will become impoverished, and others will prioritize their interests at his expense.” (Sefaria.org translation)
Karma is a b!tch.
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