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.
Unabridged English Text of this Mitzvah »
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> The 253rd prohibition is that we are forbidden from causing financial damage to a convert.
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> The source of this prohibition is G‑d's statement,;) "Do not oppress him."
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> In the words of the Mechilta: "The verse 'Do not oppress him' means to do so financially."
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> 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.;)
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> Footnotes
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> 1.
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> Ex. 22:20.
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> 2.
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> 59b.
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> 3.
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> N251.
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> 4.
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> N252.
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> 5.
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> N250.