I recently bought a new tallis and tallis bag for the first time in more than 30 years. During the week, I store it in a cabinet at our shul (synagogue) until it is needed on Shabbos. One Shabbos, I arrived to find the tallis and bag missing. I was distressed.

When I entered the main sanctuary, I saw someone wearing what appeared to be my tallis (of a distinctive style), with the same bag (also distinctive) nearby. Apparently, this man had borrowed my tallis, thinking it wouldn't be missed. I didn't know how to raise the subject without the risk of embarrassing him or appearing accusatory, such was my state of mind over losing my new tallis. So, I said nothing.

At the kiddush, I saw what looked like my tallis bag sitting in our social hall. Assuring myself that the "borrower" had already gone home, I opened the bag and found some of my personal items inside; indeed, it was mine.

I mentioned to a friend where I had found it. "Yes," he replied, "It's been sitting there all week." Apparently, I forgot to put it away the previous Shabbos!

A couple weeks later, I saw that other person in shul again, with his tallis and tallis bag, that just happened to match mine!