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Ribis when Returning a Food Product

My neighbor barrowed half a jar of horseradish from me. When he insisted to repay me, I told him to get me another jar. Is the other half received considered ribbis? If so, how can I actually ascertain the correct amount to return?

Answer:

Between neighbors, it is permitted to borrow items of food, and give back the same items (Rema, Yoreh De’ah 162:1).

However, this is only permitted when one gives back the same, or roughly the same, as one took. If one gives back an amount that is clearly in excess of the amount that one received, it would amount to a prohibition of ribis (interest).

Therefore, if somebody borrowed half a jar of horseradish, he should give back no more than half a jar. There is no need to measure the “half” with a ruler, and approximately half a jar is fine. Giving back a whole jar, however, is not permitted.

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