Lending money to someone in need, even without waiting to be asked, is the highest form of charity. A person who makes
such a loan should not be too concerned about repayment; if the borrower is a deserving person, he will be conscientious
about it. Similar remarks apply to a loan made for community purposes. Such transactions should be regarded as charity
rather than as business; the "profit" comes as a result of doing the mitzvah. The Bible says that one who is merciful to the
poor is like one who lends money to G-d (Proverbs 19:17); such "loans" are sure to be repaid -- financially, spiritually, or
both. One shouldn't make such loans if he doesn't feel comfortable about them; charity should be given freely, not
grudgingly.
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