Restitution in the Synagogue

The sages taught: Initially, anyone who found a lost item would proclaim [his find for] three pilgrimage festivals and [for] seven days after the last [of the three] pilgrimage festivals, so that [its owner] will go to his home, [a trip lasting up to] three [days], and will return [to Jerusalem, a trip lasting up to] three [days], and proclaim [his loss for] one day. [But] from [the time] that the Temple was destroyed, may it be rebuilt speedily in our days, [the sages] instituted that [those who find lost items] shall proclaim [their finds] in synagogues and study halls. And from [the time] that the oppressors proliferated, [the sages] instituted [an ordinance] that [one who finds a lost item] shall inform his neighbors and acquaintances, and [that will] suffice for him.