BEHAR – the foot of the Mountain…

The ninth section of the Book of Leviticus opens as Moses hears G-d’s voice in the Tabernacle at the foot of the mountain, commanding him to convey to the Jewish People the laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years.

“In the seventh year, the land must be given a complete rest…I will command My blessing for you in the sixth year.” (25:4)

Although leaving the land fallow for a year may indeed improve its fertility, this cannot be the purpose of the sabbatical year. If it were, G-d would have promised to increase the yield of the year following the fallow year, not the preceding year. By promising an increased yield in the sixth year– which should naturally be the least productive! – G-d shows us that it is specifically and exclusively His Blessing that is the source of the increased yield.

The lesson for us is, all that we are required to observe, through prayer, charity and study takes time and sometimes can infiltrate our daily working schedule. How can we hope to live with these requirements, especially when we experience struggling times often on those without these requirements, yet struggle to make a living?

The Sabbatical year teaches us, that when we do as G-d requires of us, He will bless us – not only spiritually, but materially as well in every way.

Wishing you an inspiring Shabbos and successful week to follow.