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The weekly Shabbat is a sign of covenant between the individual Jew and Hashem, to the extent that a Shabbat desecrator is treated like one who rejects the entire Torah. Similarly, the Shabbat of the Land is a sign of a national covenant. Just as the Shabbat desecrator is liable ofkaret (being cut off), so too there is a national karet – exile and severing of ties with its natural place of life, Eretz Yisrael – for national violation of Shemitta (see Vayikra 26:34).
The laws of Shabbat are written in terms of the individual. In contrast, Shemitta is written in terms of the Land enjoying a Shabbat (Vayikra 25:2), as the main element is in the general/public sphere. While it affects individuals’ actions, the spiritual content is of the community, the state, and the Land, in accordance with the pasuk, "All its produce will be for you to eat" (ibid. 7). That is the reason that the laws of Shemitta apply only in Eretz Yisrael where national life finds its expression.
While Shabbat commemorates Hashem’s ceasing of activity in the time of the creation of the world, Shemitta represents the body’s ceasing of work and a rest that is connected to the World to Come (see Ramban, Vayikra 25:2). The Jewish Nation cannot settle for eternity on a life that concentrates on nature alone. Rather, its eyes are set on the World to Come, an ideal time when evil will cease to exist. A time such as Shemitta is not just a reminder of what will be but it is the taking of steps, to the extent that our feeble efforts can take us, toward ushering in that time.
We accept Hashem’s dominion on Shabbat by inactivity, by stopping to try to increase financial acquisitions and physical innovation. The acceptance of dominion through Shemitta is accomplished by positive steps, i.e., by relinquishing ownership rights and opening up the fences around one’s fields to allow all to share his produce. This recognition of divine dominion is the source of the life of the universe.
The idea of social equity that is engendered in Shemitta is very much related to this. It reminds one that it is unnecessary to wear himself out in pursuit of riches. Shemitta reminds him that his property can sit fallow for an extended period of time because the King has removed it from his full possession (see Bava Metzia 39a).
Shemitta is not just about a change in the relationship between man and his compatriot, but between man and his acquisitions. People are liable to get so caught up in their efforts to amass property that they see property as part of their essence, which generally impacts on their desires, jealousy, etc. Shemitta is a reminder that there is a separation between man and his possessions and that he should connect more to his inner spiritual acquisitions, which he can retain and be satisfied by forever. The farmer, who is busy around the clock and throughout the year, finally has time to take off a year to increase these attainments and contemplate their centrality in his life.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
