לא תשימון עליו נשך (משפטים כב:כה)

In the city of Poznań lived a wealthy Yid who lent money on interest.  The Yid died, and the Chevra Kadisha (burial society) demanded a hefty price for his burial.  His family members went to the city’s justice department, complaining about the higher price quoted for their deceased father’s burial, which was over and above what was requested from others.

The judge summoned the Gaon Reb Akiva Eiger zt”l, the city’s Rav, to resolve the matter. “Us Yidden,” said Reb Akiva, “believe with complete Emunah (faith) in תחיית המתים – the resurrection of the dead when Moshiach will come.  Therefore, whenever a person dies, the burial society cites a low burial fee since the plot is a temporary resting place.  Not so when someone lends money with ריבית – interest, as Chazal says: “They will never merit to rise from their grave.”  The Chevra Kadisha is therefore justified in asking a higher price since the niftar will remain there forever…”