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If your brother becomes impoverished……you shall strengthen him…..Do not take from him interest and increase…….and let your brother live with you. (25:35,36)

The prohibition against paying or receiving interest is beyond comprehension.  Why should it be forbidden?  If it is normal for one to make use of his tools, his animals and his home, why can he not make use of his money?  Logically  speaking,  “renting out” money should be no different than renting out a house.  Moreover, interest should be the logical payment to one who has lent his own money to someone who was unable to use his money.  Also, if interest is forbidden, why is it permissible to receive interest from a non-Jew?  If it is wrong, it is…

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If your brother becomes impoverished and his means falter in your proximity, you shall strengthen him (25:35)

Rashi says, do not wait until he has fallen and must be picked up.  It is difficult to raise up someone who is down — completely.  Rather, one should support him, trying to catch him when he is faltering.  Give him sustenance; lend him a helping hand, give him the courage to continue.  Horav E. M. Shach, Shlita, comments that chesed, kindness, begins with understanding and forethought.  We should look around and study the plight of those around us, and with an intelligent eye try to see what it is our friend needs and how we can be of assistance. …

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If you will say, “what will we eat in the seventh year…….” I will ordain My blessing. (25:20,21)

We  note that Hashem promises His blessing only after Bnei Yisrael will ask the question, “What will we eat?”   This is an unrealistic approach. Why would Hashem not ordain His blessing regardless of whether or not the  people were anxious about their sustenance?   Do those who observe his mitzvos without question deserve to go hungry?  Horav Moshe Feinstein, zl,  offers a practical answer.  If Bnei Yisrael had not asked this question,  Hashem would have granted an even greater miracle.  Indeed, He would have ordained that the initial output of the sixth year would suffice for three years.  Since…

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