
Rav
Yehudah was following behind the master, Shmuel, in the market of
cereal stores. He asked Shmuel, “If one found a purse here, what is the
law?” Shmuel said, “It belongs to the finder.” Many people pass by
here, and one of them is likely to take it. Thus, the owner despairs.
Rav
Yehudah continued, “If a Jew comes and gives an identifying mark for
it, what is the law?” Shmuel said, “He is obligated to return it.” How
can both rulings be true? The second statement reflects a moral
obligation of going beyond the letter of the law.