For the source text click/tap here: Bava Kamma 103
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How much effort must a thief expend in returning something that he stole?
According to the Torah (Vayikra 5:21-26) if someone steals from his friend and then lies, swearing that he did not do so, he is obligated to return the money (plus a penalty of an additional fifth) and bring a special sacrifice called an asham gezelot.
The Torah emphasizes that it must be returned to the victim, from which the Mishna on our daf, concludes that if someone steals from his friend something that is worth at least a peruta and swears falsely, he is obligated to follow him even to Madai – also known as Medes, part of the ancient Iranian Empire – to return it.
We explore the different possible rules regarding theft from Non-Jews and the recent debate regarding the explosive publication of Prof Shahak’s book and the debate in its aftermath.