Shomer

A shomer (Hebrew: שומר‎, pl. שומרים, shomrim) in Halacha is a Jewish legal guardian, entrusted with the custody and care of another's object.

The laws of shomrim are derived from the Torah in Shemot (Exodus) 22:6-14. It is discussed in the Talmud in Seder Nezikin in tractates Bava Kamma and Bava Metzia.

There are four types of shomrim: shomer ḥinnam, shomer sakhar, shoel, and sokher, corresponding to an unpaid custodian, a paid custodian, a borrower, and a renter respectively. Each shomer has specific distinct laws that apply to it. In halacha there are two major factors that determine a guardian's liability: the ability to use the item, and the exchange of money. In general the ability to use the item (in the case of a renter and a borrower) or being paid to watch the item (in the case of the paid watchman) increases the guardian's liability, while paying for use of the item (i.e. a renter) decreases the guardian's liability.

Types of shomrim

Shomer Chinam

A shomer Chinam (Hebrew: שומר חנם, pl. שומרי חנם, shomrei chinam), or unpaid watchman, is one who watches an item without receiving payment for his watching. Shomrei cḥinnam are liable only for damages that result from their own negligence. They must pay for damages that result from their negligence.