Page 31 - HaMizrachi Tu BiShvat 5782 - USA

Rabbi Alan Rivka Rabbi Dr. Seth

Haber Alter Grauer

he mitzvah of Shemitta presents us with he Mishnah in Avot (5:9) lists four sins ur schools have vastly increased their
an inspiring vision: A national Shabbat that cause exile: murder, adultery, idol mental health staff and resources. Adults
that lasts an entire year, during which worship and the failure to observe Shem- regularly seek help from professionals.
the land itself rests, the economy slows itta properly. While the first three apply We have witnessed an explosion of dis-
Tdown significantly, and everyone – rich Tequally to those in Israel or the Diaspora, Ociplines associated with positive psychol-
and poor alike – are equals, united in their faith the fourth, forsaking Shemitta, has no applica- ogy and resilience.
and trust in Hashem, and sharing the bounty tion in the Diaspora as it speaks to the inherent Shemitta is all about rest and rejuvenation
given to us directly by Him. connection between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yis- – two activities essential to positive mental well-
Attempting to achieve this uplifting ideal is rael. As such, the Shemitta year serves as a stark ness. Each of us needs a “sabbatical” every once
also a significant challenge. Frankly, we never reminder to those of us in the Diaspora of our in a while to be productive, just as a land that is
wholly fulfilled the Torah’s demands; Shemitta distance from the Land of Israel. allowed to lie fallow will become more effective
was often honored more in the breach than the If we do not merit living in Israel, the next and high-yielding. Encouraging individuals to find
observance. In today’s global post-agricultural best option is to ensure a strong connection time for a personal Shemitta to foster greater
economy, the challenges take a different form. from a distance. The Gemara (Menachot 110a) religious, spiritual, emotional and even physical
Conversations about Shemitta are usually states that one who studies the laws of the growth will help them succeed in all areas of life.
limited to debates about the kashrut of Israe- korbanot, it is as if he has brought korbanot. This applies to people of all ages, particularly
li-grown produce. Those discussions are mean- While this may not literally apply to Shemitta, during times of transition. Before beginning uni-
ingful, but it’s important not to think of this as a connecting to a mitzvah by learning about it is versity, students should take gap years to learn in
common kashrut question. Instead, the question a helpful model for those living in the Diaspora. seminary or yeshivah; young adults could consider
we all need to ask is, “What can I personally do Studying the laws of Shemitta, including volunteering following their post-secondary stud-
to help Am Yisrael keep this mitzvah better?” halachic discussions about contemporary ies before entering the job market. Those already
One suggestion is to financially support Shemitta observance, modern controversies in working full-time need to make time for self-care
farmers who keep the mitzvah by buying per- this area, and current technologies used to fur- days and mini-sabbaticals. Hashem built such
missible products from them or through dona- ther Shemitta observance, is a fascinating and practices within creation by mandating Shabbat.
tions. Also, we should study and discuss this intriguing way to connect to Shemitta. Learn- We rest from our normal weekday activities to
mitzvah’s powerful messages and work to imple- ing from and speaking to leading Israeli rabbis, spend more time focusing on tefillah, learning
ment those values in our communities. Finally, farmers, educators, and lay people learning how Torah, and spending time with family and friends.
Shemitta also helps remind everyone that Eretz to manage their gardens and kitchens brings Practically speaking, to connect world Jewry
Yisrael is the center of the Torah’s world. Shemitta to life and draws us closer to the land to Shemitta, we should encourage Jews of all ages
and people of Israel. to use the year to nurture their mental health and
wellbeing. Find an activity to do that you never
had time for. Learn something new. Connect with
family in ways that you haven’t. Find ways to
do more chessed. Ultimately, Shemitta is meant
Rabbi Alan Haber serves on the faculty of Mid- Rivka Alter has taught Tanach and Halacha for to help others, but we may also find that is the
reshet Torah V’Avodah and has taught at several over 20 years. She is a member of the Judaic studies greatest way to help ourselves.
other Jerusalem-based institutions, including faculty and 12th grade dean at Yeshiva University
Matan and Nishmat. He is a licensed tour guide High School for Girls (Central). She is a yoetzet Rabbi Dr. Seth Grauer is the Rosh Yeshivah and
and lectures widely in Israel and around the world. halacha serving the Riverdale, NY and Stamford, Head of School at the Bnei Akiva Schools of Toronto
Many of his shiurim and publications can be seen CT communities and a teacher for Nishmat’s kallah – Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot. He is also
on www.rabbihaber.net. teacher training program. the Honorary Chairman of Mizrachi Canada.

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