Q&A: Stealing by Looking at a Watch
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Stealing by Looking at a Watch
Question
I find myself next to someone who has a watch. Am I allowed to glance at it to know the time, or is that considered theft?
Answer
A candle for one is a candle for a hundred.
Discussion on Answer
That distinction isn’t relevant. He loses nothing here, so there’s no problem. In my opinion, this isn’t even in the category of “this one benefits while the other loses nothing.” It’s certainly permitted.
Sorry, I didn’t understand. It’s his watch; maybe I should have to refrain from looking at it, which is definitely possible, as opposed to a candle, where I have no control over whether I benefit from it or not, because I’m entitled to open my eyes and see, and if the candle gives me light, that’s not because of me.