Daily Halacha – Laws of Choshen Mishpat, 2 Tammuz 5777

Which mitzvah is greater, the mitzvah of charity or the mitzvah of lending?

It is a positive commandment to lend money to poor Jews, and this mitzvah is greater than giving charity. A poor relative takes precedence over other poor people, and the poor of one's city take precedence over the poor of another city. Even if a wealthy person encounters financial difficulties, it is a mitzvah to lend to him temporarily, to benefit him with words, and to advise him with appropriate counsel [Shulchan Aruch 97, 1].

Is it permissible for a person to borrow money from his friend when there is no real need?

It is forbidden for a borrower to borrow if there is no real need, and if the lender knows that the borrower treats other people's money lightly, it is better not to lend to him at all [Shulchan Aruch 97, 4].

Only Goodness and Kindness – Daily Halacha