2,966. Seizing Collateral for Valuations

Hilchos Arachin Vacharamin 3:14

The Temple treasurers can seize collateral for valuations or values, as well as collect what was committed against the donors’ wishes; they need not return the collateral for day or night use (as is normally the case). They sell the donors’ real estate and movable property, including clothing, household utensils, servants and livestock, collecting payment from this. They may not sell the clothes of the donor's wife or children, clothing that he had dyed for them (i.e., not yet worn) or new shoes that he bought for them. The same rules apply when someone consecrates all his property, i.e., it doesn’t include items such as these.

Hilchos Arachin Vacharamin 3:15

If someone commits valuations or values, or if he consecrates a maneh for Temple upkeep, and he doesn’t have the means to pay, they confiscate all of his movable property except for his tefillin, his shoes, a chair to sit on, and a bed and a mattress suitable for him to sleep on. If he’s a needy person, they leave him a bed and a straw mat to sleep on. He is left food for 30 days and clothing for 12 months, just for him; they don’t leave such things for the members of his family even though he’s obligated to provide their food and clothing. He is only left clothing that suits his position.