Parshat Behar (Vayikra 25) commands us to observe the Shmita
year. We are commanded to let the
seventh year. It is a year where all of the produce that is grown is
technically “up for grabs” and everyone is considered equal.
This coming year, 5775 (beginning with Rosh HaShana) will be
a Shmita year.
Over the past few Shmita cycles, the Shmita year has
unfortunately been divisive for many Israelis. Israelis have different options
of how to observe the Shmita year, some will only eat produce grown by non Jews
or produce that is imported from abroad. Others will only eat produce of the
farmers and because the fruits take on a special sense of holiness. Others will
eat produce that is grown on Israeli land that was “sold” to non Jews for the
year in a manner similar to the way that we sell our chametz. Because of these different options, many
people do not feel comfortable eating in friends homes. This causes a lot of
tension and often makes people resent the Shmita year.
However, there is a whole other aspect of the Shmita year
that seems to be overlooked, the idea that during the Shmita year all may eat
freely (Vayikra 25:6-7) “The produce of the land’s Shabbat year shall be for
yourselves for food, for you, your servant and your maidservant for your hired
hand and your resident sojourner who reside with you. Also for your
domesticated animals and for the wild beasts that are in your land shall all of
its produce be for food.”
If we look at the aspect of the Shmita year which teaches
that during the Shmita year all should be looked upon as equals, we can learn a
very valuable lesson. Instead of focusing on where people shop for their fruits
and vegetables (which is a very personal decision) we can work on helping
Israelis maintain equality during that year and beyond.
According to the Sfat Emet, the purpose of the Shmita year
is to bring about unity and therefore the wealthy as well as the poor have the
same obligations during that year.
An organization has been formed in
Shmita Yisraelit which seeks to focus on the social justice aspects of the
Shmita year. Efforts are being made to focus on ecology, sustainability,
commitments for set volunteer opportunities within the community as well as
helping people pay off their debt (another aspect of the Shmita year).
Considering that only 2% of Israelis are involved in agriculture as well as the
fact that it really isn’t nice to impose our views on where to shop for our
produce on the others it make sense to focus on the community service aspects
of the Shmita year which can make the year meaningful and inclusive as opposed
to dreaded and exclusive.
Looking forward to a meaningful Shmita year in Yerushalyim!
