GEN592 Over and above the economic loss involved in theft and the moral effect on the individuals concerned, the rabbis were clearly aware of its effect on the social and moral fabric of society.  Judaism has always maintained that evil actions and wrongdoing, such as theft and robbery are not only the problem of the parties concerned.  Rather, by perverting concepts of what is permitted and what is forbidden, they eventually undermine the whole basis of society.  Permissiveness in regard to theft sooner or later affects man’s religious behavior, his sexual mores, and even his regard for the sanctity of human life.   TAMARI 41