Deposited produce is deteriorating at a faster-than-normal rate. What should the watchman do?
The watchman performs a court-supervised sale as an act of hashavat aveidah — returning the owner's property. He may not purchase it himself due to suspicion.
Question 2
A watchman opens a deposited Torah scroll to read for personal pleasure, then rolls it back. What is his legal status?
Using a deposit for personal benefit — even temporarily — constitutes shlach yad (misappropriation). This creates full borrower-like liability for accidents thereafter.
Question 3
A person deposits sealed, stamped money with a shopkeeper. The money is later lost. Is the shopkeeper liable?
Sealed or unusually-knotted money signals the depositor does not permit use. The shopkeeper may not use it and holds it as an unpaid watchman — exempt from loss beyond his control.
Question 4
A person entrusts an article in Jerusalem. The watchman later offers to return it in Nov. Must the owner accept?
Deposits may only be claimed in their original place. The owner need not accept in a different location — but if he does accept the return voluntarily, the watchman is released.
Question 5
Someone accepts a deposit from a minor. What should he do with the funds?
The Rambam rules that when accepting a deposit from a minor, the watchman should purchase a Torah scroll or date palm so the child benefits from the proceeds — since the minor cannot legally own money independently.