GEN604 We are forbidden to steal even small amounts. … Rabbi Yochanan said, “Come and see the power of corruption. The generation of the flood violated everything, but the final decree against them was not signed until they were guilty of stealing.” Sanhedrin 108a.   Rabbi Alexander Ziskind explained the severity of stealing in the following manner: When one steals a few dollars from another person, he is actually causing more damages than might initially appear.  The victim might have invested the money and received a profit, and when his children would have inherited his money, they too could have gained profit from it.  The same with their children and their children’s children until the end of time.  This could amount to a fortune, and as the Sefer Chasidim writes, all this is taken into account.  We must realize the gravity of stealing even small sums, and resolve to keep far away from this crime Yesod Veshoresth Haavodah 10:2.  Rabbi Shalom Shwadran made the following observation: “I have seen people enter a store and sample some of the food without paying for it.  In many instances the owner really wanted them to pay, but was embarrassed to ask for such a small amount.  Such behavior is to be condemned.  It is similar to that of the generation of the flood.” PLYN 36