Negative Commandment 253 (Digest)
Cheating a Convert
"Do not distress him"—Exodus 22:20.
It is forbidden to cheat a convert in the course of commerce [by deceptively overcharging or underpaying for merchandise]. Though it is forbidden to cheat anyone, one who cheats a convert transgresses this additional prohibition, too.
The 253rd prohibition is that we are forbidden from causing financial damage to a convert.
The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement, "Do not oppress him."
In the words of the Mechilta: "The verse 'Do not oppress him' means to do so financially."
It has already been explained in tractate Bava Metzia that one who [verbally] causes distress to a convert transgresses the prohibitions "V'lo sonu one another" and "Do not wrong a convert." One who oppresses him [financially] transgresses the prohibition, "Do not oppress him," in addition to the general prohibition that includes all Jews, ona'as mamon.
Rabbi Berel Bell is a well-known educator, author and lecturer. He and his family reside in Montreal, Canada.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by
Sichos in English.
Translation of (the unabridged text of) Sefer Hamitzvot by Rabbi Berel Bell, member of the Rabbinical Court of Montreal and director of Teacher Training for the Jewish Learning Institute.
From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by
Sichos in English.
