Q&A: Interest Against My Will
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Interest Against My Will
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
If a tradesman came to me who only accepts cash, and unfortunately I wasn’t able to get change for the exact amount, and I have only a larger amount to give than the stated price, have I caused him and myself to violate the prohibition of interest?
What can be done if the answer is yes?
Answer
First of all, you can ask him to give the extra amount to charity or return it to you. Second, simply speaking, there is no interest here. This is not payment for delaying money, and I do not see even a trace of interest here. He also did not do you a favor in the form of a sale; rather, this is a constraint you happened to find yourself in.