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Many commentators have tried to explain why the prohibition on ona’ah (mispricing) is found in this context. Rashi explains simply. Since the sale of the field is valid only until Yovel, it is important that the "buyer" realize how many years he will have it. The repetition of "al tonu" warns against offensive speech. Ibn Ezra explains similarly but says that the repetition includes the buyer and seller in the prohibition.
The Ramban raises a fundamental problem with Rashi’s approach. If the mispricing refers to the sale of land, it contradicts a rule that the laws of ona’ah do not apply to land (Bava Metzia 56a). Therefore, the Ramban explains that the first pasuk deals with ona’ah on movable objects. The Torah goes on to warn about the impact of Yovel on land sale and then presents the prohibition of wronging people with speech. He presents another possibility. While the void of the sale or return of money due to ona’ah does not apply to land, it is still forbidden to misprice. A final explanation distinguishes between different types of ona’ah. If it is a matter of appraising value, there is no ona’ah. When there is a factual mistake, such as measurement or calculating the number of years, there is ona’ah.
The Kli Yakar explains why real estate is special in regard to ona’ah. The price value of most objects fluctuates over time. Therefore, while land may be mispriced now, it will likely be correct in the future, and therefore the laws of ona’ah do not apply. However, movable objects are likely not to last long into the future, and the Torah is more concerned about the price at the time of the sale.
With the necessary humility in the face of the aforementioned commentators, let us suggest another explanation of the connection between topics. Shemitta and Yovel limit one’s ownership of his property. Every seven years, a Jew’s actions declare that the land is Hashem’s, and thus all that grows is ownerless. Every fifty years, he sees that his land acquisition was never permanent, and the land returns to its previous owners. One can think, based on all of this, that if there is no complete ownership, there is no ona’ah either. What type of commerce is there, after all, if Hashem owns everything? Therefore, the Torah tells us that, whatever level of ownership we have, laws of proper commerce apply.
Attempts of communism to eliminate private ownership failed. However, a capitalism that does not include a realization that everything is Hashem’s and that He expects us to protect the poor from the powerful will not succeed either. May we merit that our Land be one that engenders the internalization of these values.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts