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While Rashi brings both explanations, the Rashbam explains the whole pasuk regarding Shabbat. The reason, he says, that plowing and harvesting are specified among the melachot is to tell us that even basic needs may not be seen to on Shabbat. We might have otherwise thought that melacha on Shabbat was permitted not only to save a life but also for crucial needs.
The Seforno connects the two parts of the pasuk differently. The Torah tells us that just as keeping one day of Shabbat helps bring success to the work on the six days of the week, so too does refraining from working the field one year out of seven bring blessing to the other six years.
We now find ourselves in the midst of the Shemitta year. It is thus important to strengthen our resolve to follow it as appropriate and understand the message behind it. The challenge for the farmer to keep the laws properly is very difficult. The Torah, after all, expects Bnei Yisrael to ask, "What shall we eat in the seventh year?" and answers that "I will command my blessing to you in the sixth year, and it will produce for the three years" (Vayikra 25:20-21). Chazal greatly praised the farmers who kept the laws of Shemitta, applying to them the pasuk (Tehillim 103:20) "the brave of strength who do His Will" (Vayikra Rabba 1). The problem is that most poskim posit that the special blessing was promised only when the observance of Shemitta was mandated by Torah law (se S’ma 67:2 based on Tosafot). Therefore, over a century ago, efforts were made to make the year of Shemitta observance one that the population could handle. Three halachic solutions that exist are the heter mechira, use of otzar beit din, and development of systems of growing such as matza menutak (planting detached from the ground). See our teshuva (in Bemareh Habazak III) which was signed by Rav Yisraeli z.t.l. in this regard.
Let’s hope we will soon merit keeping the laws of Shemitta on a Torah level in the most careful way possible when we will be in a state where "the rest of the land" can be established in all of its sanctity in the Holy Land.
break from a tradition but an addition of a link.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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.
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
