Land of Israel – Shemitah (the Sabbatical year)

ארץ ישראל – שמיטה

The Rebbe's guidance on the Shemitah (Sabbatical) year:

Supporting those who keep it. As Shemitah approaches, the community must provide proper support for those whose livelihood depends on farming, especially the Sephardic and Moroccan settlers (IK 6501). Plowing during Shemitah is gravely forbidden even according to lenient authorities; plan ahead in detail (IK 6579). On student work in agricultural schools during Shemitah, see IK 6245; on supplying food in bulk to distant Oholei Yosef Yitzchak schools, IK 6629; on supporting a moshav's synagogue and livelihood, IK 6702. On the sale of the land and the Shemitah laws, see IK 5614; on the forest question and settlement, IK 8731. Whether to visit Eretz Yisrael during Shemitah, see IK 1221.

Its lesson. The seventh year is "a Shabbos for G-d": it teaches one to elevate daily life above materialism, so that spiritual purpose guides every material pursuit (IK 1215, 9027, 6863). Like Shabbos, it hints at the day that is entirely Shabbos (IK 6517), and every aspect of a Jew's life should be dedicated to G-d in the same way (IK 9137); Jewish women sanctify daily life and can use freed time for holiness (IK 9155). It is a fitting year to learn tractate Shabbos (IK 9030), and much of the seventh year's quality carries into the eighth (IK 10864).

Kindness and joy. The Shemitah year is a special time to increase gemilus chasadim and free-loan activity (IK 6532, 10687). On the double joy of Torah and Israel at Simchas Torah in the Shemitah year, see IK 10567, 10568.

See also: Tzedakah – Free loans (gemach) and acts of kindness; Land of Israel – Living in the Holy Land.

Shiurim in this topic

1215. Entering the Shemitah Year: Spiritual Lessons and Unity in Daily Life כניסת שנת השמיטה, לקחים רוחניים ואחדות בחיי היום יום

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1221. Visiting Eretz Yisrael During Shemitah Year ביקור בארץ ישראל בשנת השמיטה

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5614. Shemitah, Sale of Land, and Guidance for Halachic Publications שמיטה, מכירת קרקע, והדרכה לפרסומים הלכתיים

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6245. Fundraising Letters, Student Work During Shemitah, and School Coordination מכתבי מגבית, עבודת תלמידים בשנת השמיטה, ותיאום בין בתי ספר

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6501. Support for Farmers Facing Shemitah Year Challenges תמיכה לחקלאים המתמודדים עם אתגרי שנת השמיטה

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