Shalom, Mitspacha!
Responsibility of creditors
"When you do lend your brother any thing, you shall not go into his house to fetch his pledge. You shall stand abroad, and the man to whom you do lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto you."
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 24:10-11
Today we focus on the limits of authority held by a creditor. Even when someone is indebted to us, the Torah protects their dignity and the sanctity of their home. A creditor is prohibited from entering the borrower's house to seize collateral; instead, they must wait outside for the borrower to bring it out.
Justice must always be tempered with respect for the individual's personhood.
Power dynamics in financial relationships can easily lead to pride and the overstepping of boundaries. By commanding the creditor to stay outside, YHVH teaches us that a debt does not strip a person of their right to privacy or dignity.
True righteousness in our dealings requires us to treat those who owe us with the same respect we would desire if the roles were reversed. Our conduct in collecting what is ours reveals whether we serve our own gain or the Elohim of Justice.
Abba YHVH, grant us humility and restraint in our dealings with others, especially those who are indebted to us. Help us to value the dignity of our brothers and sisters above the security of our possessions. May our actions reflect Your heart of justice and kindness, ensuring that we never cause shame or distress to those in need.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.
We are approaching the end of the month of Schnein Asar 6027 AA. We are expecting to see the new moon for the month of Rishon 6028 AA on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. If the moon is sighted and confirmed, Yom Shishi (Friday, March 20, 2026) will be Rosh Chodesh and the first day of the New Year. If the moon is not sighted, Yom Shishi will be the 30th day of Schnein Asar 6027 AA, and Rosh Chodesh will begin on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2026. You can verify the sightings with RENEWED MOON or your local Muslim community.