Treatment of converts

"and you shall not wrong a convert;" "and if a convert lives with you in your land, you shall not wrong him;" "and a man shall not wrong his fellow," and a convert is included under "his fellow"?

Our Rabbis were taught: He who annoys a stranger transgresses three negative commandments, and he who oppresses him transgresses two. Let us see, Regarding annoying, there are three negative commandments, (Ex. 22, 20; Lev. 19, 33 and 25, 17). If so, then there are three negative commandments concerning oppression also (namely, Ex. 22, 20; 23, 9 and 22, 24) — which include also the stranger. We must therefore say that in both cases, he transgresses three negative commandments.

Mishpatim. — Judgments or Principles of Justice. — All these ideal theories have only value, however, if thou really livest, as thou hast gained the conception, in a Divine world, with Divine powers, man-Israel. The first requisite is, Justice! Respect every being around thee and all that is in thee as the creation of thy God; everything belonging to them as given them by God or in accordance with law which He has sanctioned. Leave willingly to each being that which it is justly entitled to call its own. Be not as regards aught a curse. Especially honor every human being as thy equal, regard him in his essence, that is to say, in his invisible personality, in his bodily envelope and in his life. Extend the same regard to his artificially enlarged body, his property; to the demands which he may be entitled to make upon you for assistance by grants of property or acts of physical strength; in measure and number; in recompense of injury to his person or possessions. Have regard, also, to his rightful claim of truth; of liberty, happiness, and peace of mind, of honor and undisturbed tranquillity. Do not abuse his weakness of heart, mind, or body; do not unjustly employ thy legal power over him.

לא תונו [AND IF A STRANGER SOJOURN WITH THEE IN THY LAND], YE SHALL NOT VEX HIM — This implies vexing him with words (cf. Rashi on Exodus 22:20) — do not say to him, “Yesterday you were an idolator and now you come to study the Torah which was given from the mouth of the Almighty!” (Sifra; Bava Metzia 58b, 59b.)