A question came up about all sorts of old debts that I have written down from years ago, debts from stores that have closed up, an old bus company that isn’t around anymore, people who have left the country … small debts of 10, 20 shekel that were never claimed… The question is exactly what is my halachic chiyuv at this point to solve many of the mysteries and how much do I have to search for the people that I have on my list? Yes, I have heard the horror stories of those who had to come back because they owed ploni 2 grush…Thank you.
Answer:
You should not take much notice of the horror stories. They don’t form a solid base for our obligations, and these should be determined by halachic considerations alone.
As for the halachah in these cases, if the entity to which you were obligated no longer exists, it follows that you are not obligated to pay it. So, if the bus company has closed, or the store no longer exists, you don’t have to worry too much.
This is not the case for individuals. If you know who the person is, you have to get in touch with him, and ask him to forego the debt (logical if it isn’t much), or find a way of paying him.
It is advisable to sort out the matters ASAP, before they get lost and forgotten.
Good luck!
