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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
