- Family and Society
- General Questions
303
Question
Should someone borrow from a Gemach if he has invested (not on-hand) savings he doesn’t wish to touch, (but theoretically could pull some money out), and he needs money to get through a tough time? Or should the Gemach money be only for people who have very little savings at all?
Answer
Most Gemach's have policies which determine valid approved uses. Many Gemachim are available for loans in the situation you described, and taking such a loan wil not deprive others of taking a loan as well. Many other Gemachim limit loans to people in particularly dire circumstances, or for specific needs (e.g. weddings, medical expenses, getting out of debt).
There is no halachic demand to become destitute before availing oneself of a Gemach. Gemachim are often available for people to use for investment (starting a business, not buying stocks). Ask the administartor of the Gemach what the policy is.

Dina D’malchusa - civil law
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Iyyar 22, 5773

Washing Hair on chag
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 8, 5771

Free service for neighbor
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tishrei 23, 5781

Renege on an Agreement
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tishrei 27, 5771

Induction Stove Hob
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 21, 5782

Bracha on wheat gluten
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 30 Cheshvan 5763

Yichud in Blended Families
Rabbi Baruch Finkelstein | 11 Elul 5767

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Being like God
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 2, 5785

Gentile inferiority due to genetics.
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Adar 6, 5785

wigs or sheitels - How can Religious Jewish Women wear them?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 18, 5785
