The Sabbatical Year

The Mitzva of “Shmitta,” the Sabbatical year, was chosen as the example of a law given on Mount Sinai. These laws are similar to those of Shabbat, that were mentioned in the Ten Commandments.

The Alshich pointed out this similarity in two ways. Just like we need rest one day a week to rejuvenate ourselves, the land needs a year of rest so that the soil can be rejuvenated.

Just like we take the day off on Shabbat to acknowledge that G-d is the Creator of the universe, the land being left fallow during Shmitta, acknowledges that the land belongs to Hashem.

This particular law is a demonstration of faith that all of our needs will be provided, even when we are not actively working the ground.

The laws of Shmitta point out to us that our real test of faith is in our wallet. The Chazon Ish mentioned that there could be people who boast of their deep faith in G-d. But when it comes to money matters, when their faith is tested, they are unable to put that trust into practice.

It is not easy to make the transition between the theoretical to the practical, but learning the laws of Shmitta, guides us into putting our faith in G-d. We must believe the promises of the Torah. If we act as we should, we will receive Divine protection.