YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Body : To avoid difficult leniencies that include work with the potential of Torah-level violation (done by Jews during Shemitta), we should create a fund to support [Jewish] agricultural workers, as they will have less work for their livelihood, since non-Jews will need to do some of it. The fund can also help poor farmers who generally do all of their own work and now will need to hire non-Jewish workers for actions that are forbidden by the Torah on Shemitta.
There are also, thank G-d, complete, G-d-fearing people who want to keep the mitzva as it was given and refrain from all work according to the laws of Shemitta. They deserve a special fund or to have a set part for them from within the general fund [that helps people observe Shemitta].
The above relates to this year, but we must also be concerned with the permanent status of Shemitta. If Hashem will have mercy on us and bring Mashiach quickly in our days, and we will not need these steps, we still will not have lost the reward for the mitzva of trying to uphold the sanctity of the Land, in case it will take longer [for Mashiach to come]. In order to be able to set the sanctity of the Land for generations, we must first establish a large institution that will suffice to support all of the owners of fields that grow grains and vegetables etc. that do not have an issue with maintaining commercial relationships. They will be able to cease work during Shemitta if they are supported during the year. The fund must be significant enough to also assist workers. Ideally, such an organization would initiate halachically non-problematic building and industry, who can employ these workers throughout the year of Shemitta.
When the organization will engage an abundance of diligent workers who are involved in this holy work with great vigor, then we can extend the idea so that even in vineyards and orchards, where there is no choice but to sell or rent to a non-Jew, because of the need to continuous commercial connections, it would still be possible to remove the land’s sanctity by renting to a non-Jew along with non-problematic things. Then, non-Jewish workers can work in the fields and Jewish laborers can work on building and in all elements of the economy with which the organization will be involved. This will make up for the lack of work during Shemitta.
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
195 - Excerpts of Letter on Shemitta – #289 – part I
196 - Excerpts of Letter on Shemitta – #289 – part II
197 - Deflecting Criticism – #291
Load More
Regarding commerce, this year, when we need to uproot the sanctity, using an element of "trickery," it is proper to also include non-problematic elements to "swallow up" the problematic ones. The contracts should say that the money is not for the fruit but for the work and equipment. When orchards will be rented out to non-Jews, it will be improper to be stringent regarding non-Jewishly owned fruit, as was decided in the times of the Beit Yosef.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
Igrot Hare’aya Connecting Disciplines in Torah Study
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook #103 – part II
P'ninat Mishpat Payment for Not Clearing Warehouse On Time – part II
based on ruling 75076 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale that Turned Out Not Happening – part III
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya Worse on the Outside, Better on the Inside – #332
Date and Place: 26 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Informing a Friend he Is Not Insulted – #320
Date and Place: 5 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot (probably)
Igrot Hare’aya Maintaining a Friendship of the Spirit – #266 – part III
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook; Date and Place: 11 Shevat 5670, Yafo
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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)
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.
P'ninat Mishpat 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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
