Extending loans is one of the six-hundred-thirteen mitzvos. Giving a free-loan to a Jew takes precedence over giving a loan with interest to a gentile. This rule is only true if the lender does not need to charge interest for his livelihood. But if the lender will have no source of income if he does not give an interest-bearing loan to a gentile, then his need for a livelihood comes first, and he is not obligated to give a free-loan to the Jew. Nevertheless, one should not let this become justification to always refrain from giving loans to Jews, with the excuse that he needs the interest the gentiles will pay him. For God sees it all, and He knows whether the person can afford it or not.
Monday
כ' אב התשפ"ו
