Question:
Dear Rabbi,
I volunteer with an agency that provides help to pet owners in need. While sorting through a donation of dog toys I came across two based on Chanukah symbols. One is styled after a menorah and the other after a dreidel. It doesn't seem right, or respectful to me to turn these symbols into dog toys. Should I just throw them away?
Answer:
Hello,
I understand your sensitivity. Even though it is technically permitted, it is still inappropriate to turn them into dog toys. Therefore, if the agency gives you permission to sort through the donation and throw things out, or to take some occasional toys home, you may. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have the right to discard what doesn’t belong to you.
Best wishes
