Page 5 - Perspective 2022 - 11.9.22

start over, become independent of others, and allows for
a more healthy and just society.
According to this understanding, it turns out that when a
person is in a situation in which he can return the money,
especially when the loan was provided to buy additional
equipment (a car and so on) – there is no reason why he
shouldn’t return the money. On the contrary, it is important
that he be accountable and take responsibility for his
actions. In this case, although according to halacha,
the loan may be wiped out, there is an expectation that
the loan be repaid, and the lender may even implicitly
request this – “and the right hand is extended to receive”
(Yerushalmi Sheviit 10:3).
THIS ALLOWS THE DEBTORS TO START
OVER, BECOME INDEPENDENT OF
OTHERS, AND ALLOWS FOR A MORE
HEALTHY AND JUST SOCIETY.
This explanation also illuminates the Pruzbol protocol
(see footnote) in a new light. Since the borrower does not
know if the lender will write a Pruzbol, he will endeavor
very hard to repay his debt. In this way, Hillel created
a proper check and balance in relation to the shmita
kesafim. On the one hand, not knowing if there will be
a Pruzbol will cause the borrower to make an effort to
repay his debt, but on the other hand, if he really isn’t able
to pay back, we hope that the lender will not go ahead
with the Pruzbol, but rather decide to waive the debt.
The Torah teaches us to care for one another both justly
and morally. When we understand that G-d is the center
of our world and that all we have belongs to Him, then we
can live a life of compassion and consideration towards
our kinsman.
1 C hazal allowed the writing of a Pruzbol, which is a writ, issued historically by
rabbis, that technically changes the status of individual private loans into the
public administration. This enabled the poor to receive interest-free loans
before the shmita year while protecting the investments of the lenders.
JCT is exceptionally excited to welcome Daniel “Doni”
Fogel as our new Vice President. Doni is succeeding
Stuart Herskowitz, who has served in that role for
10 years and who will retire in the fall. Doni was the
Southern States Director for the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Prior to that, he served
as the Director of Community Relations and Israel
Programming for the Jewish Federation of Richmond.
Doni served as a Lone Soldier in the IDF’s 401st Armored
Brigade. In 2008, he was twice cited for bravery
under fire. In 2014, he served in Gaza during Operation
Protective Edge. Doni holds an MA in Government from
the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya and a BA in
Jewish Studies from the University of Maryland, College
Park. Born in Israel, Doni was raised in the US. He lives
with his wife and children in Modiin.
Kurt Rothschild z”l being awarded an honorary degree at
JCT’s 50th anniversary celebration
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