Don’t Charge Interest

Much antisemitism is rooted in the cliched depiction of the Jew as usurer.  Shylock being the most famous example in literature.  But Jews are forbidden to loan money with interest to other Jews when necessities are involved.  Business loans are a different matter - Orthodox Jews have created a transaction called the heter iska (“permission to do business”) under which the loaner given a ‘fair’ percentage of the profits of the business, even if the business doesn’t make a profit.  

But  a loan to an Israelite, a  Jew, a member of the tribe, for something essential - food, clothing, housing - for that kind of loan, charging interest isn’t permitted.  In fact, according to Telushkin, this kind of loan is considered to be the highest form of gemilut hesed, an act of kindness.

The Most Unusual Of Blessings

There is a blessing that we are supposed to say each time we go to the bathroom.  It is a prayer, also said during morning prayers, thanking God for creating our bodies with openings and cavities, and thanking God opening and closing our bodies at the right time.  We realize how difficult life would be if these openings were to fail us.

Nothing would make a 10 year old giggle quicker than saying a prayer after pooping.  Telushkin suggests that it’s until we’re adults, and have seen the difficulties our parents might have “being regular” that we appreciate the importance of this prayer (and the miracle of our bodies).

This may be one time that Telushkin doesn’t focus on the other, but focuses entirely on our selves.  

Declaring A “Complaining Fast”

Ta’anit dibur  - a speech fast.  Some sages would engage in them as a way to refrain form inappropriate speech or as a way to focus the mind.  Telushkin suggests that complaining makes us unhappy (or unhappier than we might otherwise be), as it focuses us on the negative.  He paraphrases Dennis Prager who says that many people are unhappy unless they have a reason to be happy.  Praeger wonders why we don’t default to being HAPPY unless we have a reason to be unhappy.

As Americans we have so much to be thankful for (lot’s to complain about as well, but let’s begin from the point of thankfulness).  Living in the suburbs of Boston, I have very little to complain about, and yet…I’m going to try to work Praeger’s philosophy into my life - default to happiness unless there’s a reason to be unhappy.  Starting…now.

When, If Ever, Is It Permitted to Lie? (3)

For reasons of humility, privacy and so as not to harm another.  These are, according to Telushkin, the only times that a religious scholar (and by extension, all of us), are permitted to bend the truth.  Again, these, as seemingly all of his discussions, are about our relationship to ‘the other.’   As David Mamet has said, “Tell the truth, it’s the easiest story to remember.”

When, If Ever, Is It Permitted to Lie? Judaism and White Lies

Telushkin references a number of times that white lies are told in the Torah.  He includes Sarah laughing when she is overhears that she will soon bear a child.  She comments that she, herself, is withered, and her husband is old.  God relates this story to Abraham, leaving out the part about Abraham being old.  “Great is peace, seeing that for its sake, even God modified the truth.” (Yevamot 65b)

Hillel and Shammai disagree about what to tell a bride.  Hillel insists that ALL brides are beautiful, Shammai insists that each bride must be taken individually.  Talmud sides with Hillel, but notes Shammai disagreement.

As Telushkin says, “Before you tell a truth that can cause only pain and inflict gratuitous hurt, ask yourself WHY you should tell it.  There are indeed times when a pretty lie is preferable to an ugly truth.”

Keep Faraway From Falsehood

Not simply, do not lie (although that is one of the Ten Sayings), but keep faraway from falsehood.  Falsehood can mean exaggeration - the salesman who knowingly exaggerates the value of of a product is obligated to return the purchase price to the buyer if the product does not live up to expectation.  Like building a fence around the Torah, we should distance ourselves from the possibility of lying by keeping away from falsehood.

I am reminded that the first question we will be asked in heavens according to the Talmud is, "Were you honest in your business dealings?"  This topic keeps is in the thorny brush of is there a difference between not lying and telling the truth.  Parents are reminded not to lie to their children, lest the children learn to lie from their parents behavior.  Telushkin reminds us of the Yiddish proverb, "A half truth is a whole lie."

Treat the other honestly.  How different might the world be if we lived according to that idea? 

Enjoy! Enjoy!

Enjoy!  Enjoy!

Is it alright to enjoy the pleasures of the world while others are suffering?  YES!  As long as you live your life morally.  Telushkin suggests that we are advised to tithe precisely so that we can use the rest of our money for the things WE want and need.  Without the principle of tithing, we might not enjoy anything - because others are suffering.  Talmud suggests that is wrong to not partake in things which are not forbidden.  In other words, don't say "No" only because others can't.  If it isn't forbidden, and the opportunity presents itself - do it.