(35) If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side: (36) do not exact from him advance or accrued interest, but fear your God. Let him live by your side as your kinsman. (37) Do not lend him your money at advance interest, or give him your food at accrued interest.
- "Those that have lost their property, who are without food, shelter, or clothing"
- "Those... who are sick, infirm, or helpless"
- "Those held by pirates or oppressors"
- "Refers to the mitzvah of visiting the sick and even estimates that one-sixtieth of a person's illness is cured by such visits." (Rabbi Huna)
- To bury the poor with dignity and honor (Rabbi Johanan)
- Recognize the feelings of the needy -- to ensure they will not be embarrassed about their situation and for us to give them respect and dignity (Rabbi Jonah and Bar Kappara)
- Rescue those held by pirates or oppressors.
- Lend money without interest.
והחזקת בו YOU SHALL STRENGTHEN HIM — Don't let the poor fall and become impoverished so that it will be hard for them to recover. Instead, strengthen them the moment their strength and fortune fail.
To what may this (the differences between whether you assist him at once or whether you wait with your help till he has come down in the world) be compared? If a mule is carrying a load, as long as the load is balanced on the mule's back, it takes only one person to steady it, and make sure it doesn't fall off. Once the load has fallen to the ground, however, even five people will have trouble lifting it up again. (Sifra, Behar, Section 5 1).
If you wish to raise a person from poverty and trouble, do not think that it is enough to stand above and reach a helping hand down to him or her. It is not enough. You must go down to where the person is, down into the mud and filth. Then take hold of him or her with strong hands and pull until both of you rise up into the light.