Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury' mean?
A: This verse from Leviticus 25:37 prohibits charging interest (usury) when lending money or food to a fellow Jew. The Torah considers this exploitative, as it takes advantage of someone in need. Rashi explains that 'neshech' (usury) refers to interest on money, while 'marbit' refers to interest on food or goods.
Q: Why is the prohibition against charging interest important in Judaism?
A: The prohibition against charging interest (ribbit) is a fundamental ethical principle in Judaism, emphasizing 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 in times of need, fostering unity and compassion within the community.
Q: Does the prohibition against interest apply to loans between Jews and non-Jews?
A: According to traditional Jewish law (based on Deuteronomy 23:21), the prohibition against charging interest applies specifically to loans between Jews. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 70b) discusses this distinction, noting that different rules may apply in business dealings with non-Jews, though ethical behavior is always encouraged.
Q: How can someone lend money without violating the prohibition against interest?
A: Judaism permits lending through a 'heter iska' (permissible transaction), a legal document that structures the loan as a joint investment rather than a traditional interest-bearing loan. Additionally, gemach (free loan societies) operate in Jewish communities to provide interest-free loans, fulfilling this mitzvah in practice.
Q: What is the spiritual lesson behind the prohibition against charging interest?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) teaches that charging interest harms both the lender and borrower spiritually, creating greed and resentment. By lending freely, we emulate G-d's kindness, as He provides for all without expecting 'interest.' This mitzvah reminds us that wealth is a Divine gift to be shared with compassion.
Prohibition of Interest (Ribbit)
The verse (Vayikra 25:37) prohibits lending money or food with interest (נשך and מרבית). Rashi explains that נשך refers to biting interest—like a snakebite that starts small but grows—while מרבית refers to excessive interest. The Torah forbids both forms, emphasizing the severity of exploiting another Jew's financial need.
Halachic Implications
Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 4:1-2) elaborates that this prohibition applies to all forms of benefit derived from a loan, not just monetary interest. For example:
Moral and Social Dimensions
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 572) teaches that this mitzvah fosters compassion and unity among Jews. Lending without interest ensures that those in need are supported without exploitation, reinforcing the principle of "ואהבת לרעך כמוך" (Vayikra 19:18). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 71a) warns that violating this prohibition incurs severe consequences, as it undermines societal trust.
Exceptions and Permissions
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 160) permits charging interest to non-Jews under certain conditions, based on Devarim 23:21. However, many poskim, including the Rema, caution against exploiting this leniency, as it could lead to chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name).