64. This was not merely the misconception of the ignorant mass of Jews. Their
religious teaching was the same and the legal doctrines of their accepted religious
authorities and jurists reflected this idea. With regard to injunctions on loans
and interest the Bible makes a clear distinction between an Israelite and a
non-Israelite (Deuteronomy 15: 1-3; 23: 20).
It is stated in the Talmud that if the bullock of an Israelite injures the bullock
of a non-Israelite the former is not liable to any penalty, but not vice versa.
Similarly, it is laid down that if anyone finds an unclaimed article he should
enquire amongst the people who live nearby. If they are Israelites he should
announce his find; if not he may keep it without saying anything further.
Rabbi Samuel Ishmael says that if a dispute between a Jew and a Gentile is brought
before a judge, he should base his verdict on Jewish law if it is favourable;
if the law of the Gentiles goes in favour of the Jew he should justify his judgement
by saying that the Gentile has no valid ground for complaint since judgement
was given according to his own law. Even if both laws are unfavourable towards
the Jew the judge should still find some pretext for deciding in his favour.
Rabbi Samuel says that benefit should be derived from every mistake the non-Israelite
may make. (See Paul Isaac Hershon, Talmudic Miscellany, London, 1880, pp. 37
and 210-21.)