Welcome to Mishpatim Week where we will be sharing d’vrei torah (insights from this text), impact stories, and visiting synagogues around the area. We’ll share meaningful insights from Parshat Mishpatim, exploring its implications and teachings on how we can support one another in accordance with our traditions.
Parshat Mishpatim commands us, “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act towards them as a creditor; exact no interest from them.”
The Torah uses the word neshech for interest, which Rashi, the medieval Jewish Torah commentator, connects to nashach, a snake bite.
What does a snake bite do? It starts with a sharp pain at the site of the bite, which can then fester and spread, potentially leading to severe, even life-threatening consequences. Similarly, interest starts as a manageable burden but can quickly spiral into overwhelming debt that impacts all aspects of a person’s life—adding stress, increasing obligations, and growing over time until it becomes unmanageable.
In a recent eJewishPhilanthropy article, our colleagues from the largest Jewish free loan organizations across the United States shared insights on this very issue. They noted that many full-time workers struggle to afford basic living expenses, often living paycheck to paycheck without the ability to save for emergencies. When unexpected expenses arise, these individuals might turn to high-interest solutions like payday loans or subprime credit cards, which can quickly trap them in a cycle of debt.
At Hebrew Free Loan Society, we offer a different path: We provide interest-free loans to prevent the kind of debt spiral described by the metaphor of the snake bite. Our mission isn’t to profit but to offer a hand, helping our community members to manage and overcome financial challenges in a sustainable way.
Our February Fundraising Goal
Join us in reaching our goal of $5,000 by February 28th! The demand for interest-free loans has more than doubled over the past two years. This winter, in the spirit of Parshat Mishpatim, we invite you to contribute to a cause that extends far beyond a single gesture. Your gift will continuously circulate within the community, providing sustained support and making a lasting impact for years to come. Together, let’s empower those in need with the means to thrive.
Thank you to our wonderful organizational partners! These organizations are helping to get the word out about interest-free loans in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey during the week of Parshat Mishpatim.