Debt to a friend at the end of Shemitah
Question
I owe my friend NIS 42, and I was originally planning on paying her back before Rosh Hashanah (5783). The problem is I don't have the money now to pay her back now (end of Elul 5782). Do I have to pay her now or can I pay her later on?
Answer
Rabbi Yaakov Ariel
Pay her back when you have the money – despite the fact that shemitah cancels such debts. Your friend will tell you "I remit it" (shometet ani), but nevertheless it's proper to repay her. If your friend wrote a prozbul, however, shemitah does not cancel the loan.