Torah Portion: Kedoshim
“לא תגנובו” (ויקרא יט יא)
It is a negative commandment to not steal anything of monetary value, as it is written, Do not steal (Vayikra 19:11). Our Sages say that this verse is the prohibition of stealing money [but the verse Do not steal that appears in the Ten Utterances is a prohibiton against “stealing” a human — i.e., kidnapping].
The root idea of this mitzvah is obvious, for it is one of the mitzvos dictated by common sense.
The laws of this mitzvah include: Our Sages say that it is Scripturally forbidden to steal even if it is with the intention of returning the property, or if it is to only frighten the owner for a short while and then the item will be returned.
This mitzvah applies in all places and at all times, to both men and women. One who transgresses this prohibition and did steal, must return the property.
