Shmitah Essays, Insights & Stories

It was in 1950, after we had completed our army service. At first we lived in tents, in the middle of a barren wilderness. At that time, there were not yet water pipes reaching our moshav. We had to content ourselves with what could be grown in dry rugged fields.

Mundanity, holiness, and beyond -- a study of the spiritual significance of the Shemittah and Jubilee cycles

We can talk at great length about our faith in G-d; our trust in His absolute wisdom, goodness and beneficence. But do we put our money where our mouths are?

The Sabbatical year is associated with two mitzvot: 1) The land must be left unplowed and fallow. 2) All personal debts are cancelled. There is a connection between these two precepts

Faith is measured by actions, as is demonstrated by the shmitah year -- and the weekly Shabbat.

If making kiddush and listening to the shofar enhances our relationship with G‑d -- as we believe all mitzvot do -- why the strict time limitation? Is it not the thought, and the desire to connect, that count more than all else?

What is the greater wonder -- G-d's ability to perform miracles, or our ability to trust in them?

Six reasons for the Sabbatical Year: The soil, a macro-Shabbat, making up for six years of Shabbats, a lesson in faith and humility, unity, and liberation.

We are forever asking: What is the reason? What is the meaning? We ask this question of all commandments and all occurrences, even those we supposedly understand...

Imagine someone offers to fulfil any dream, aspiration or fantasy of yours for a full year year. It's likely that the first thing that would come to mind is a paid sabbatical leave...

What is Judaism's economic system? Is there one? In promoting free enterprise, the Torah is clearly capitalistic. But it is a conditional capitalism, and certainly a compassionate capitalism.

When is the next Sabbatical year, and how is this calculation computed?