Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, you shall not wrong him' mean?
A: This verse from Leviticus 19:33 teaches us the mitzvah (commandment) to treat converts or foreigners living among us with kindness and fairness. According to Rashi, this includes not oppressing them verbally or financially, as they may be vulnerable. The Torah emphasizes this obligation multiple times to show its importance.
Q: Why is it important not to wrong a stranger according to the Torah?
A: The Torah repeatedly commands us to treat strangers with compassion because we were once strangers in Egypt (Shemot 22:20). Rambam explains that mistreating a convert or foreigner goes against the fundamental Jewish value of emulating Hashem's kindness. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) also warns that oppressing a convert is a serious sin, as they have chosen to join the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse remains highly relevant today, teaching us how to treat converts, non-Jewish residents of Israel, and even non-Jewish workers in Jewish homes or businesses. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 228) rules that this mitzvah includes fair business practices and kind speech. Modern halachic authorities apply this to our interactions with all people in our communities.
Q: What's the difference between 'ger' (stranger) and 'ger toshav' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that while 'ger' in many verses refers to a convert to Judaism, here in Leviticus 19:33 it refers to a 'ger toshav' - a non-Jew living in Israel who observes the Seven Noahide Laws. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:4) notes we must be especially careful with such individuals, as our behavior could influence whether they draw closer to Torah values.
Q: Does this commandment only apply in the Land of Israel?
A: While the verse mentions 'in your land,' the Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) extends this principle beyond Israel's borders. The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 14:15-16) rules that the prohibition against wronging others applies universally, though the specific agricultural gifts (like pe'ah and leket) mentioned in context only apply in Israel.
Verse Context and Meaning
The verse (Vayikra 19:33) commands the Jewish people to treat the ger toshav (resident stranger) with fairness and prohibits any form of oppression or mistreatment. This mitzvah appears in the context of Kedoshim, the Torah portion emphasizing holiness through ethical and interpersonal conduct.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that the term ger here refers to a ger toshav—a non-Jew who has accepted the seven Noahide laws while residing among the Jewish people. He emphasizes that the prohibition against wronging such an individual applies both in matters of business (ona'at mamon) and speech (ona'at devarim). Rashi further notes that the Torah uses the phrase "itchem" ("with you") to teach that the ger must be treated as an equal member of society.
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Hilchos De'os (6:4) and Hilchos Mechira (14:15-16), Rambam elaborates on this mitzvah, stating that wronging a ger violates both a positive commandment and a negative prohibition. He explains that the Torah warns against this more severely than with fellow Jews because a ger lacks the same social support system and is more vulnerable to exploitation.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Chizkuni's Additional Commentary
Chizkuni observes that the verse emphasizes "b'artzechem" ("in your land") to teach that the obligation applies specifically in Eretz Yisrael, where the Jewish people have sovereignty and thus greater responsibility to model just behavior toward non-Jewish residents.
Practical Halachic Application
Poskim rule that while the full status of ger toshav applies only when the Jubilee year is observed, the ethical principles of this mitzvah remain binding at all times. This includes fair business dealings, dignified treatment, and protection from discrimination for non-Jews living under Jewish authority or in Jewish communities.