Fraud

It is fitting that the laws that follow the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, deal with the subject of אונאה. In spoken Hebrew, this is the word used for “fraud.” The Torah uses it as a form of mistreatment of another Jew.

There are two categories of אונאה. One deals with money matters and one deals with words. The wording of the Torah both times is, “לא תונו,״ do not mistreat.

In money matters, there are strict rules involving transactions. Upon selling food items that are staples, one is permitted to take a profit of no more than a sixth above the going rate. If it is discovered that there was overcharging, the deal can be canceled, and the money is returned to the purchaser.

Real estate deals are different because certain properties might have a great deal of value to one individual. He might be willing to pay well above the market price because of its value to him. The Halacha is, אין אונאה בקרקעות, there is no overcharging on land acquisitions.

The אונאה with words, is a warning not to put people down verbally. The classic examples are reminding a convert of his non-Jewish heritage. Or, reminding the Baal Teshuva, newly religious of his past, when he violated Shabbat and ate non-kosher food.

These laws are found at the end of the Book of Vayikra. Most Yeshiva students never study these Parshas during their education. It is very disappointing that they miss out learning the laws that teach kindness and compassion. It would also show how one is supposed to conduct himself in his dealings with his fellow men. The Torah includes everything. We only need to study it.