Responsa for Bava Metzia 114:12
שומר חנם אינו נשבע (וכו'): מנהני מילי דת"ר (שמות כב, ו) כי יתן איש אל רעהו כלל כסף או כלים פרט (וגונב מבית האיש) חזר וכלל
— this is a general proposition: <i>for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment</i><span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Ibid. ');"><sup>12</sup></span>
Teshuvot Maharam
Q. Is it permissible to lend charity-funds at a definite rate of interest?
A. This is undoubtedly prohibited. But since the lending of charity-funds at a definite rate of interest became such a widespread custom throughout the Kingdom that the prohibition of the practice would not be heeded even if the law became known we refrain from publicising this prohibition. This opinion is expressed, however, in order to urge the compliance with this prohibition in the future (but R. Meir would express no opinion as to the necessity of repaying the interest already collected).
SOURCES: Pr. 73; L. 478. Cf. L 234; Cr. 101, 109; Tesh. Maim. Mishpatim, 14; R. Asher, Responsa 13, 8; Agudah B.M. 73.
A. This is undoubtedly prohibited. But since the lending of charity-funds at a definite rate of interest became such a widespread custom throughout the Kingdom that the prohibition of the practice would not be heeded even if the law became known we refrain from publicising this prohibition. This opinion is expressed, however, in order to urge the compliance with this prohibition in the future (but R. Meir would express no opinion as to the necessity of repaying the interest already collected).
SOURCES: Pr. 73; L. 478. Cf. L 234; Cr. 101, 109; Tesh. Maim. Mishpatim, 14; R. Asher, Responsa 13, 8; Agudah B.M. 73.
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