Behar-Bechukotai - May 9, 2026 / 15 Iyar 5786
In this week’s double parsha of Behar – Bechukosai, at the beginning of Behar G-d speaks to Moses on Mount Sinai instructing the Jewish people on the observance of the Shemittah – the Sabbatical year were working the land is prohibited. So serious is the prohibition on sowing and reaping the land that the Rabbis even prohibited the crops that grew on their own (sefichin) to ensure that farmers do not falsely grow and sell their crops, claiming that.
So why does the land need a Sabbath anyway? One might think it has to do with crop rotation but if it did then it would not only apply in Israel as it does. In fact, even a Jewish farmer in Maryland does not have to consider the Shemittah year. Let us be under no allusion, for the sixth year to produce enough to cover the resting seventh year, there must be about three years’ worth of food. The sixth (after the harvest all aftergrowth must be left ownerless and free for all man or beast to take at will). The seventh year is resting the land. The eight year one can work the land but it will take time for the crops to grow and be ready for harvest.
The seventh-year crops are imbued with actual sanctity, the laws applying to the plants themselves not just the restrictions on working the land. One reason for the Sabbatical year for the land and the holiness of its products is remembering where our livelihoods come from. The food that we eat and the money that we earn only comes through the will of G-d. Relying on Him for the provision of food through till the eight year requires trust and faith. The Rabbis’ decrees on the matter remind us that such faith is not easy. It is only in the land of Israel where we are so connected that we can truly place our faith in the L-rd and tie our survival to Him. One has to surrender their will to G-d entirely and recognize that our sustenance is not really under our own control in order to give up working for our food.
I want to share a personal story here. As we were preparing to move from Kentucky to New York we encountered some financial challenges along the way. If you have ever purchased a house in New York, it is at least twice as difficult than the other three states we have lived in! We were faced with coming up with nearly a hundred thousand dollars in less than a month and no apparent way to get it. My wife and I turned to G-d and prayed on it every day. When I look back today, I can hardly explain where or how the money came in, but it started to come in and fast. Still, on the last day it was due, despite previous denials and no reason to qualify, we walked into our local bank and walked out with a loan for 30 thousand (and good terms too). I am sure some financial wizard could tell us how or why the money came when we needed it most. But we know deep down that it was only the work of G-d that made it happen. I am sure that most of you have had similar experiences. When you think about those experiences and the Shemittah year, the next time you come across a seemingly insurmountable challenge, remember where our sustenance actually comes from and pray for deliverance. Better yet, remember Shemittah is for all the people, so come together and pray together as a community for the welfare of us all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
So why does the land need a Sabbath anyway? One might think it has to do with crop rotation but if it did then it would not only apply in Israel as it does. In fact, even a Jewish farmer in Maryland does not have to consider the Shemittah year. Let us be under no allusion, for the sixth year to produce enough to cover the resting seventh year, there must be about three years’ worth of food. The sixth (after the harvest all aftergrowth must be left ownerless and free for all man or beast to take at will). The seventh year is resting the land. The eight year one can work the land but it will take time for the crops to grow and be ready for harvest.
The seventh-year crops are imbued with actual sanctity, the laws applying to the plants themselves not just the restrictions on working the land. One reason for the Sabbatical year for the land and the holiness of its products is remembering where our livelihoods come from. The food that we eat and the money that we earn only comes through the will of G-d. Relying on Him for the provision of food through till the eight year requires trust and faith. The Rabbis’ decrees on the matter remind us that such faith is not easy. It is only in the land of Israel where we are so connected that we can truly place our faith in the L-rd and tie our survival to Him. One has to surrender their will to G-d entirely and recognize that our sustenance is not really under our own control in order to give up working for our food.
I want to share a personal story here. As we were preparing to move from Kentucky to New York we encountered some financial challenges along the way. If you have ever purchased a house in New York, it is at least twice as difficult than the other three states we have lived in! We were faced with coming up with nearly a hundred thousand dollars in less than a month and no apparent way to get it. My wife and I turned to G-d and prayed on it every day. When I look back today, I can hardly explain where or how the money came in, but it started to come in and fast. Still, on the last day it was due, despite previous denials and no reason to qualify, we walked into our local bank and walked out with a loan for 30 thousand (and good terms too). I am sure some financial wizard could tell us how or why the money came when we needed it most. But we know deep down that it was only the work of G-d that made it happen. I am sure that most of you have had similar experiences. When you think about those experiences and the Shemittah year, the next time you come across a seemingly insurmountable challenge, remember where our sustenance actually comes from and pray for deliverance. Better yet, remember Shemittah is for all the people, so come together and pray together as a community for the welfare of us all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
