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Section: Halacha Category: Tshuvos | Btzel HaChochma: Can You Change Your Mind After Promising To Lend Someone Money? | | The Shulchan Aruch (CM 39:17) says clearly that if you promise to lend someone money, even if with your knowledge that person goes through the trouble and expense of drafting a loan agreement, you may change your mind and refuse to lend them the money. Rav Betzalel Stern in Btzel HaChochma (3:78) says that you are not even considered a Michusar Amana, a person who is not trustworthy, despite the fact that even someone who promises a gift and rescinds his promise is considered a Michusar Amana.
However he says that if the lender is a poor person it is forbidden to go back on your agreement to give him a loan. The reason is that the Halacha says (YD 258:6) that someone who promises money to Tzedoka must keep his word and may not change his mind unless he does Hatoras Nedarim. Lending money to a poor person is more than a loan. It is the best kind of tzedoka (YD 249:6). It is tzedoka that doesn't embarrass the recipient. Therefore, although a promise to lend money may be rescinded, a promise to a poor person must be honored.
Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
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