Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Thou shalt not give interest to thy brother' mean?
A: This verse prohibits charging interest (neshech) when lending money or goods to a fellow Jew. The Torah considers this exploitative, as it takes advantage of someone in need. Rashi explains that 'neshech' refers to any form of interest, whether monetary or in-kind (like food). The prohibition applies to all types of loans.
Q: Why is the prohibition against charging interest important in Judaism?
A: Charging interest violates the Torah's emphasis on kindness and fairness in financial dealings. The Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh) teaches that lending without interest fulfills the mitzvah of supporting one's fellow Jew. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 75b) also warns that those who charge interest face severe spiritual consequences, as it undermines trust and compassion within the community.
Q: Does the prohibition against interest apply to loans between Jews and non-Jews?
A: The Torah (Devarim 23:21) permits charging interest to a non-Jew, as the prohibition specifically applies to 'your brother' (a fellow Jew). However, the Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 5:1) notes that while technically permitted, one should still strive for ethical behavior in all financial dealings. Many authorities encourage fair and just treatment of all people, even when the strict law allows otherwise.
Q: How do Jews handle loans today while avoiding interest?
A: To comply with this law, Jews use a 'heter iska' (permissible transaction), a legal document that structures loans as joint investments rather than interest-bearing debts. This is a common solution in Jewish business dealings. Additionally, free-loan societies (gemachim) operate in many communities to provide interest-free loans to those in need, fulfilling the mitzvah of helping others without financial gain.
Q: What is the difference between 'neshech' and 'tarbit' in Jewish law?
A: While both terms refer to prohibited interest, 'neshech' (literally 'a bite') refers to upfront interest charged on a loan, whereas 'tarbit' (or 'ribbit') refers to any form of increase or benefit derived from the loan. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 60b) discusses various forms of forbidden interest, emphasizing that even small favors or advantages given in return for a loan can violate this law.
Prohibition of Interest (Ribbit) in Jewish Law
The verse (Devarim 23:20) prohibits charging interest (neshech) to a fellow Jew in any form—whether monetary, food, or any other commodity. This is a foundational principle in halacha (Jewish law) regarding financial ethics between Jews.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 23:20) clarifies that the term neshech refers to interest taken in advance, likening it to a snakebite (neshicha)—a sudden, harmful extraction. He emphasizes that the Torah forbids even minimal interest, as any form of exploitation in lending violates the spirit of brotherhood (achdut).
Rambam's Legal Perspective
In Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh (Laws of Lenders and Borrowers 4:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) rules that charging interest is not merely a financial transgression but a violation of a biblical prohibition (lav). He explains that both the lender and borrower who participate in an interest-bearing loan transgress this commandment.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Types of Forbidden Interest
The verse specifies three categories:
Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 572) explains that the prohibition reinforces trust and compassion within the Jewish community. By forbidding exploitation in financial dealings, the Torah ensures that economic relationships are built on justice (tzedek) and kindness (chessed).