There is a discussion in the
Talmud on the value of stolen sheep and oxen that died after the thief had
taken them. It is decided that the ox’s
value must be repaid to the owner at five times its appraised value. The sheep’s value was only multiplied by
four. ‘Is this not unfair?’ asks Rabbi
Meir and Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai. 'Yes,' insists the Talmud, 'It is'. The ox can be simply
led away by the thief while the sheep had to be carried.
Even in the case of theft we
recognize people’s shame and the fact hat the thief had to carry away one
animal to his public shame while only leading the other away, as if he owned it.
Everyone's honor matters. Even that of a common thief.
–Rabbi Louis Jacobs
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