Why Torah Writes "If You Lend Money" and Lacks Blessings on Interpersonal Mitzvos

Full Summary

This profound shiur examines the unusual conditional language the Torah (תורה) uses for the mitzvah (מצוה) of lending money in Parshas Mishpatim, asking why it says "Im kesef talveh" (if you will lend money) when it's actually obligatory. Rabbi Zweig connects this to the broader question of why certain mitzvos have blessings while others, particularly those between people, do not. The Rambam (רמב"ם) provides a fundamental distinction: mitzvos between man and God have blessings, while mitzvos between people do not. Rabbi Zweig explains this through Maimonides' analysis of different types of mitzvos. For mitzvos that have a logical basis (like not stealing or murder), the highest level is to internalize the understanding and not want to transgress. For mitzvos without logical basis (like kashrus), the highest level is self-control while acknowledging desire. For positive interpersonal mitzvos, the reverse applies - the highest level is genuinely wanting to help others, not merely fulfilling an obligation. Making a blessing before helping someone would emphasize duty over care, making the recipient uncomfortable and defeating the mitzvah's purpose. The recipient should feel the giver cares about them personally, not that they're fulfilling a divine command. Rabbi Zweig illustrates this with the Chofetz Chaim's father, who wouldn't reduce prices but would separately give money as charity. The insight is that allowing someone to bargain treats them as an equal, which is harder than giving charity where you're clearly the benefactor. The Torah specifically chose lending money as an example because it's the most challenging interpersonal mitzvah. Rashi (רש"י) explains that if someone refuses charity, you must lend them money. Lending is harder for the giver because if unpaid, there's financial loss without recognition of kindness. But it's easier for the recipient because they maintain self-respect and equality. When someone borrows money interest-free (as required by Torah law), they often don't recognize the significant benefit they've received. The lender gets no warm feeling of being a benefactor, yet risks substantial loss. This challenges us to help others while allowing them to maintain complete dignity and equality. The Torah writes "if you lend" to teach that even this most difficult mitzvah should be performed as if chosen freely from love and care, not grudging obligation. The ultimate goal is becoming people who naturally want to help others, even when they won't fully appreciate our sacrifice. This represents the highest level of interpersonal mitzvos - acting from genuine feeling while respecting others' dignity completely.