A watchman was negligent with money designated for general charity for the poor. Is he liable?
Torah deposit laws require a specific claimant. General charity funds have no owner to make a claim, so the standard watchman liability does not apply.
Question 2
Two depositors each claim to have deposited 200 zuz, but only 300 total were deposited. The watchman forgot who gave 200 and who gave 100. What must the watchman do?
The watchman's failure to label packets was negligence. He must pay each claimant their full sworn claim (200 each), absorbing the 100 shortfall himself.
Question 3
What is the correct shrinkage allowance for wheat when returned during harvest season?
The Rambam specifies 4.5 kabbin per kor for wheat (and shelled rice). Barley gets 9 kabbin per kor; buckwheat and flax get 3 se'ah per kor.
Question 4
A watchman mixes unseparated produce with his own and doesn't measure the amounts. The owner claims a specific quantity. What happens?
The watchman is obligated to swear — but cannot, because he doesn't know the amounts. The Rambam and his teachers rule he pays the owner's credible claim without requiring the owner to swear.
Question 5
The owner of a sealed sack claims it held pearls; the watchman says 'maybe just sand.' Who takes an oath and collects?
The owner swears and collects — provided the claim is plausible given his circumstances. The watchman's 'I don't know' removes his own oath obligation, shifting the oath to the owner.