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forbidden by Torah law during the A different Jew once told me: “I try not compared to the statement that
Shemitta year, it is prohibited by rab- to perform even permitted labors in “halachah contradicts reality!”
binic decree to perform any actions the garden during Shemitta.” When I We must observe the laws of Shemitta,
that enhance the growth of a plant. asked him why, the man explained: “My
Therefore, it is forbidden to water, to neighbors are not observant of Torah including both the Torah law and rab-
remove weeds (with their roots), to and mitzvot. If they observe me taking binic prohibitions of Shemitta. But at
cut weeds (without removing their care of the garden, they may get con- the same time, we must also show our
roots), to fertilize, to remove stones fused and think that it is permissible neighbors that observing Shemitta does
(to prepare the land for planting), and to perform forbidden labors as well.” not require us to destroy our gardens!
to perform any other such activities. That even during a year in which “the
To both of these well meaning Jews, land rests” (Vayikra 25:2), the land of
One may perform labors generally I responded: If the halachah permits Israel continues to live and exist. Shem-
forbidden by rabbinic decree during certain labors in the garden, there is itta does not cause destruction of the
Shemitta only when failure to do so no point in not doing them, thereby land, but rather the opposite; Shemitta
will cause the plants to die. In other causing the garden to look neglected. leads to the sanctity of the land! Shem-
words, labors forbidden by rabbinic On the contrary, such an approach itta brings a year in which we neither
decree are permitted during the Shem- shows that halachah does not align with create nor renew, but preserve the
itta year when performed to preserve reality. Such an approach indicates that existing and resting land and enjoy its
that which already exists, so that it halachah requires a reality of neglect, an flourishing holiness!
does not die, but not when performed existence of destruction and loss. But
to strengthen and develop that which this is not the case! Indeed, the laws of
is growing in the field. Shemitta are not simple, and without
question, some things are prohibited
Must I neglect my garden? during Shemitta. However, halachah does
not forbid maintaining what exists,
A Jew once told me: “I do not touch my halachah does not declare that during
garden at all in the year of the Shemitta. Shemitta, we must destroy our gardens! Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon serves as Head of A member of
The garden is wild, weeds are grow- Mizrachi’s Educational Advisory Board and the Mizrachi
ing everywhere, the grass is being The fear of “lest my neighbor think Rabbinic Council. He was recently appointed Speakers Bureau
destroyed, and I am happy. My garden that it is permissible to perform for- as the first Rabbi of the Gush Etzion Regional mizrachi.org/
is resting during Shemitta!” bidden agricultural labors” is marginal Council. speakers

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