The Mishnah and the Sanctioned Use of Usury

     Within the Mishnah, which is the written version of the Oral Tradition of the rabbis, sanctions the use of Usury so long as it is used against gentiles.  The rabbis record in the Mishnah:

     "What is interest?  He who lends a sela (which is four denars) for (a return of) five denars, two seahs of wheat for (a return of) three - because he bites (off too much)."  Baba Mesia III 5:1 b-e
     "They do not accept from an Israelite a flock on 'iron terms' because this is interest.  But they do accept a flock on 'iron terms' from gentiles.  And they borrow from them and lend to them on terms of interest."  Baba Mesia III 5:6 a-d