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Why does the Torah (תורה) forbid charging interest with such severity, connecting it repeatedly to the exodus from Egypt? The shiur reveals that interest creates illegitimate master-slave relationships based purely on exploiting another's weakness rather than providing genuine service. This directly contradicts the exodus message that Jews should serve only God as His equal children, not subjugate each other through financial manipulation.
This comprehensive shiur examines the Torah (תורה)'s prohibition against charging interest (ribbis) from Parshas Behar, going far beyond the surface level to explore the profound spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of this commandment. Rabbi Zweig begins by addressing the common rationalization for charging interest - that one's money could otherwise be invested profitably - and explains why the Torah still forbids it with the phrase "al tira me'Elokecha" (do not fear your God). The analysis distinguishes between lending objects (where charging rental fees is permitted) and lending money or consumables, which become the property of the borrower upon receipt. The core insight is that when charging interest on money, one is not being compensated for the use of one's property, but rather exploiting the borrower's inability to repay immediately. This transforms the transaction from a fair exchange into a form of punishment for the borrower's financial weakness.
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Parshas Behar, Vayikra 25:35-38
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