I am so intrigued by the commandments regarding returning lost objects. Of course, we are commanded - multiple times, using multiple examples - to return the objects of our neighbor, our "brother." This is unquestioned.
But what about the objects of which we don't know to whom they belong?
Well, those are to be taken home and safeguarded. The interesting thing is that the Torah sets no boundaries on how long this safeguarding must last - these items must be kept safe "until your brother inquires after it." In other words - forever, and perhaps even across generations.
This simple context of this verse is a little mind-bending - there are no lost objects, only objects which may be temporarily lost. Eventually, the person will come looking around or it, and it is biblically mandated that the object be there when asked after it.
This is a fascinating contrast to other religions - which, I think, fully admirably - practice non-attachment. In these religions, it can probably be fairly said that nothing belongs to anyone, not even a creator (if you don't believe in one). And here, I was always under the impression that Judaism was the same way - other than the contrast that objects do belong to G-d and G-d alone.
But that's not what this verse comes to teach us. Indeed, not only do objects belong to people, but they must also be safeguarded by others until the object's rightful owner comes and seeks it, at which point, presumably, the object should be immediately returned. It's not that the object is eventually "G-d's" and, practically speaking, should therefore be given to the kohanim or the Levi'im as other tithes. Nor is there some sort of notion of object impermanency which means that the object, although perhaps "belonging" to someone else, can eventually "belong" to the finder. Here, there is absolutely, positively no finder's keepers. The exact opposite, actually.
What does this mean? A grand conclusion about the partnership between G-d and humanity. Of course, we recognize that G-d is the ultimate Creator and that all belongs to H' - that is 100% and certifiably accurate. But once created, we don't need to feel guilty or materialistic or ashamed -- in fact, we should feel the exact opposite -- that we, too, become co-owners and possessors of these objects. And that G-d has given them to us for a very specific purpose - a holy purpose, ideally, of life's mission. And that without this object, the mission is irretrievably compromised and we should trust that someone else is going to protect it and give it back as soon as we need it (which, with a smile on my face, I realize is also intended as part of the plan - the timing of this return). And that we should be seeking its return as expeditiously and zealously as possible.
As with anything, a holy and complete faith that there are no lost objects is but a part of this mystical puzzle.
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