Saturday, July 4, 2009

Bava Metzia 70 - When Interest is Allowed (Finds)

One is not allowed to invest in a business venture in which he shares in profits but not losses or in which his proportionate share of profits is greater than that of his losses. The guaranteed part of the investment is then a loan, and its profit is a form of interest prohibited by the Sages.

However, one is allowed to invest the money of orphans where they stand to gain more than to lose by a court appointee.

One is allowed to loan on interest to a non-Jew. In fact, there is nothing wrong with charging interest, but the Torah wants all Jews to behave like family members.

Art: Young Beggar by Bartolome Esteban Murillo


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