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“Do I have to return it, or just notify the tenants?” asked Mr. Klein.
“You need only notify them, and they are responsible to collect it,” said Rabbi Dayan.
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“I’ve tried that and they haven’t come,” said Mr. Klein. “Can I give him a deadline by which time they must come?”
“Some contemporary authorities rule that one who finds an item can give the owner a deadline,” replied Rabbi Dayan. “If the owner was informed and doesn’t come to pick it up by a certain reasonable time, it can be taken out and left hefker.” (Hashavat Aviedah K’halacha 3:6 citing Hagaon Rav Nisan Karelitz, shlita; see also C.M. 319:1.)
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