My people" — If an Israelite and a gentile stand before you

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Kaspa 1:6

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 12, 2025

"My people": If an Israelite and a gentile stand before you to borrow, "My people" take precedence. A poor man and a rich man—the poor man takes precedence. Your poor (i.e., the poor of your family) and the poor of your city"—your poor take precedence. The poor of your city and the poor of a different city—the poor of your city take precedence. Thus, "the poor man with you" (i.e., closest to you). "Do not be as a creditor to him": Do not appear to him, (obviously, to collect the money) at all times.

Themes

Charity Holy Land Poverty Nations

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