Barry Epstein asked:
The gemara quotes the Mishna of Me'ilah 19b-20a: If one took a stone or a beam belonging to the Temple Treasury, he has not thereby committed me'ilah. "He" refers to the Temple treasurer, who does not commit me'ilah because it is already in his domain. But isn't using it for his personal benefit embezzelement? Is there any penalty associated with this?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
The Kollel replies:
One is not allowed to use Kodesh for his personal benefit. However, the special laws of Me'ilah, which include bringing a Korban Asham and adding a fifth of the value, require that either the object be damaged or be taken out of the dominion of Hekdesh. It also must be inadvertent; one who does it b'Mezid is Patur from this Korban.
D. Zupnik