For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 170
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A new mishna states: If someone pays back a partial amount of a debt, Rabbi Yehudah states that a new document should be written with the new amount and exchanged for the old one. Rabbi Yosi says that a receipt should be written.
Rabbi Yehudah noted: If so, it will emerge that the debtor must guard his receipt from mice (for if he loses it, the creditor will be able to collect the debt again)!
The Mishna records that Rabbi Yosei responds by saying that it is appropriate for him to have to guard his receipt, so that the other’s rights will not be infringed upon.
All agree that Rabbi Yosei’s statement refers to the fact that having to write a new promissory note with a smaller loan obligation will be to the detriment of the lender.
We explore the enforceability of beis din laws in the modern era.