For the source text click/tap here: Bava Kamma 118
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Mishna on our daf lists a number of cases where it is forbidden to purchase things because we fear that they may be stolen goods.
The Mishna rules, however, that in all cases where the purchaser is told to hide what he bought, it is forbidden to purchase, since it is likely stolen property.
The Gemara quotes a baraita that expands on these rules, explaining, for example, that already sewn woolen clothing can be purchased from shepherds, since we assume that it belongs to them. The general principle taught by the baraita is that anything that the shepherd sells that the owner would notice can be purchased.
We explore the ethics of using other people’s money.