[Avodah] Redemption

[Akiva Miller via Avodah]

R' Zev Sero wrote:

> It seems to me that all the mitzvos that enjoin special
> consideration for one's fellow yidden are based on the mitzvah
> of V'ahavta.  Since you must love him, therefore you must not
> hold grudges against him, let alone take revenge, must lend
> him what he needs without charging interest, must not gossip
> about him, must not stand by while he's in danger, etc.

I would think that killing and stealing are in this category too. But
you would then point to the phrase "special consideration". In other
words, there is a particular shiur of consideration. Some actions are
below that shiur; they are so basic that they apply even to non-Jews.
And other actions are above that shiur; it is "special" consideration
that we extend to family, but not to outsiders.

I would accept such a response, but it isn't very helpful. Exactly
what is that shiur? Where do we put the line? I have always thought
that *all* these things are basic menschlichkeit, and apply to
everyone, Jewish or not.

> Where do you see that LH about strangers is to be avoided?
> The pasuk says "lo telech rachil *be`amecha*", and "makeh
> *re`ehu* basater".

That's just two pesukim. Sefer Chofetz Chayim brings a lot more than
that - 31 if I remember correctly. Granted that one doesn't violate
these particular mitzvos if the object of the Lashon Hara isn't
Jewish. But the others aren't so simple. At the very least, you're
gambling that the Lashon Hara will remain secret and not result in a
Chilul Hashem.

> Ribis.  Lanochri tashich is a mitzvat asei.

True. I have always thought of ribis in a class of its own, for the
simple reason that the entire world considers it to be a generally
acceptable business practice. This includes Chazal, who felt it
important to find a way to structure certain business activities in
ways that would skirt this issur. The point is that ribis is NOT
inherently immoral. It *can* be abused and thereby *become* immoral.
But if done properly, it is a neutral (or even benevolent) business
tool.

Akiva Miller