Ribbis: Matters of Interest

Giving A Bachur Special Attention

Berel, the dorm counselor, had helped Nissim, an introverted
bachur, make friends in yeshivah and get on his feet financially. In coming
years Nissim made out successfully in business, and Berel found himself in dire
straits.

May Berel remind Nissim of the favors he had done for him in years
past, as a way of convincing him to lend him money, or is this ribbis mukdemes?

May the hanhalah of a yeshivah give a bachur special attention,
with the intention of approaching the bachur’s father for a loan in the near
future?

May the yeshivah honor a Rebbi at the dinner so that the Rebbi ask
his father to lend the yeshivah a million dollars for a new building?

There
is no issur of ribbis mukdemes in case #1, since at the
time Berel extended these favors he had no intention of borrowing money from
Nissim. The fact that afterward he uses them as a way to convince Nissim does
not matter.

—

In
case #2, where the hanholoh of
a yeshivah helps a certain bachur with the intention
of borrowing money from his parents in the near
future, there would be a problem if sizeable gifts are given (such as a
large cash present or frequent invitations to meals in the rosh yeshiva’s house). Simply speaking nice words to
him or giving small gifts are permitted, as explained in the previous question.

—

In
case case #3, honoring the rebbi would be permitted
since the rebbi is not the actual lender
(as opposed to giving a present to a bachur which is considered giving it to
the father who is the lender). Even awarding an expensive plaque to the rebbi at the dinner would be allowed.

The
yeshivah may even request
from the rebbi that he ask his father to
extend the loan in gratitude for them honoring him, provided that the son’s award is not transferred to the father.