Giving Precedence to a Jew

From Halachipedia
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There is a value in Jewish Law to do business with a fellow Jews.[1]

Choosing Where to Buy[2]

  1. There are four opinions as to when a Jew[3] must be given precedence
    1. Rabbi Yitzchak Weiss says must choose a Jew even if there is a significant difference in price[4]
    2. Chofetz Chaim says you don't have to take a significant loss[5]
    3. Others say you only have to give precedence to a Jew if they are equal price[6]
    4. It is just a kind deed, but not an obligation to give precedence to a Jew[7]
  2. If the non-Jew's store is closer, one should still make an effort to go to the store owned by the Jew[8]
  3. This law does not apply to a Jewish retailer as his income is based on him getting the best price[9]

Choosing Who to Hire

  1. There is an obligation to hire a Jew over a non-Jew[10]
    1. This is an extension of choosing where to buy, so see Choosing Where to Buy for how much one must spend
  2. One can use charity funds to pay the difference if hiring a Jew is more expensive[11]

Choosing Who to Lend

  1. One must lend a Jew interest free rather than a non-Jew with interest[12]
    1. Some say this is only if it will be an insignificant loss[13]
    2. Others say that even though it is a significant lack of profit, one must be willing to lend a Jew (if this isn't your profession)[14]

Sources

  1. ↑ Rashi Vayikra 25:14 quotes from the Sifra a preference to buy and sell from fellow Jews. Gemora Avoda Zara 20a says if you have a carcass, it is better to give if to a Ger Toshav for free then to sell it to a non-Jew. Gemora Bava Metziah says if you can only lend one person, it is better to lend to a Jew interest free than to a non-Jew with interest
  2. ↑ See source sheet from Rabbi Ari Wasserman
  3. ↑ Chasam Sofer C.M. 134 notes that precedence is given to a Torah observant Jew as the Torah uses the word עֲמִיתֶךָ, your nation who is with you in the performance of mitzvos. Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 1:805 quotes that the Chazon Ish was strict to buy from a Shabbos observant Jew, even if it was further
  4. ↑ Minchas Yitzchak 3:129:3 based on a Shut Rama 10 discussing the story of the Maharam Padua's printing of the Rambam where Rama says must buy from the Jew despite the higher cost.
  5. ↑ Sefer Ahavas Chesed 5:5 where he explains that the Rama only meant when it was not a significant amount of money. This is based on Tosfos Avodah Zara s.v. V'Rebbe Meir who explains that the Gemora in Avodah Zara talks specifically about a carcass that doesn't have significant value
  6. ↑ Shevet Halevi 11:322 and Shut Toafos Reim O.C. 22
  7. ↑ Chikray Lev C.M. 1:139. See Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 1:805 and 2:724 where he tries to justify the custom of always searching for the cheapest price by saying it isn't an obligation, but just a kind deed
  8. ↑ Maharm Shik C.M. 31. Rav Shternbach in Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 1:805 notes that the poskim do not discuss how far of a distance one must go, and suggests that it is a Mil just like how far one must go to find a minyan. He does not this is by large or regular purchases, but a one time or small purchase can go to the closer store
  9. ↑ Maharam Shik C.M. 31
  10. ↑ Shut Piskay Uziel 48 adds that it is also one of the highest levels of charity to give a fellow Jew a way to earn money and says there is no limit on the cost.
  11. ↑ Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 2:477
  12. ↑ Gemora Bava Metziah 70A
  13. ↑ Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe Y.D. 3:93) says the Gemora Bava Metziah 70A that says a Jew goes first is only referring to a small amount
  14. ↑ Sefer Ahavas Chesed 5:5 quotes both opinions
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