The Torah teaches us how to live well and respectfully in every aspect of our lives, even in  economics. This weeks’ parashiot, the double parasha of Parashat Behar and Bechukotai, are the last in the Book of Vayikra, Leviticus,  and in them, we learn some of the Judaical laws of economics, business and trade. We learn about the Shmita and Yovel which are years where the land must lay fallow and all property reverts to its original owner. We also learn how to conduct ourselves in business affairs and how to treat others' property. But, one of the big topics is the laws of Ribit, or charging interest which we learn in the verse "Do not take interest or profit from him, but fear your G-d, so that your brother may continue to live with you" (Leviticus 25:36).

The question we should ask is why is this such a problem? Isn’t it fair to want to make a profit  from what we generously loan out? Why is earning money this way an issue and therefore forbidden? 

There are three approaches that offer an answer to this question. The Kli Yakar, focuses on the idea of damage to the connection between us and G-d. This commentator explains that  the very idea of interest undermines faith in G-d. Having faith, emunah, is to fully believe in G-d, that He will always help us  and that He will give us what we need in the right time, whether that be blessings or troubles. Charging interest inherently makes us doubt in G-d’s ability to provide us with what we need, thus explaining that charging interest undermines emunah. 

Secondly, the Sefer HaChinuch explains the damages of charging interest from the perspective of the borrower. They describe charging interest as a neshech, being bitten by a snake.They explain that, similar to a snake bite, interest seems harmless and doesn’t feel like much at the beginning, but as it quickly grows, it destroys the borrower, literally a snake bite that bites the borrower financially. The commentary  also says that most people who are willing to take out a loan are already  struggling financially. Adding interest to a payment that they already cannot afford is simply causing greater hardship and can potentially break a relationship bond.

Finally, the Rambam and other scholars depict the laws in another way: they see it as a way of breaking brotherhood and trust. While not being illegal or immoral, charging interest shows the lack of trust between people and weakens solidarity. The Rambam urges us to not search for a business opportunity when loaning someone money, but rather see it as an opportunity to help a friend.

As exams start next week and the year begins to close, we must ask ourselves how we are able to give and help our friends without expecting anything in return, whether through helping them understand topics they struggle with, or just checking in and seeing how they are holding up with the stress. And if we all do our part, we will all be paid back, because kindness always comes back to you.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom,

Yair, Grade 10