The Avissar Family Ribbit Initiative

1. WHO IS CONSIDERED A BORROWER?

Any time a Jew lends money to another Jew the laws of Ribbit will apply. The title “borrower” in Halacha is applied anytime a Jew borrows money or consumable commodities from another Jew. Furthermore, one who purchases merchandise on credit is also considered a borrower, and the seller – a lender. Similarly, after workers complete a project or a repair, the employer is considered a borrower and the employees – lenders, since the job ended and the wage payment is outstanding. When such titles are conferred, laws of Ribbit will apply in some form.

2. RIBBIT FROM A NON-JEW, PART 1

The Pasuk in Parashat Ki Tetze says: “You shall not take Ribbit from your brother, whether in the form of money or produce, or any other form” (Devarim 23:20). The following Pasuk allows to charge a non-Jew Ribbit.

There are various approaches among the Rishonim regarding taking Ribbit from a non-Jew. The Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Assin 198, and Hilchot Malveh 5:1) takes this verse to mean that there is a positive commandment to lend to a non-Jew with interest. The Ra’avad and Ramban, however, disagree with this approach and say that the Pasuk is merely allowing us to collect Ribbit from a non-Jew, but not in any way commanding us to do so. In their opinion the verse should be understood as a prohibition to charge a Jew interest in a positive-commandment form.

The Abarbanel also takes issue with the Rambam’s view, arguing that if the Torah considers taking interest to be an evil act, why does the Torah permit doing so from anyone? Why is it different than the prohibitions not to kill or steal, which apply to all of mankind? At the very least, the Torah shouldn’t command us to take interest!

The Abarbanel resolves this by explaining that although the Torah prohibits accepting interest from a Jew, it is not something that is considered inherently evil. In fact, it is a great kindness to lend money, even with interest, as it gives the borrower the opportunity to make an investment and perhaps a livelihood. According to the Abarbanel, the Torah only prohibits a Jew to take interest from another Jew, because it is considered a brotherly act to forego such charges. The Torah requires us to treat a fellow Jew as one would treat one’s brother, which is with a greater degree of kindness.