“The Arab farmers were ecstatic.”
Chaya Bracha and I just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. Five times seven. Every seven years is a Sabbatical year when it is forbidden to work the land of Israel. In the time of the Temple, some slaves were freed and all debts forgiven.
The first year we were married (1979/80) was a Sabbatical year, Shmitah. Just like there is Shabbat for people at the end of each week, to take account, rest up and prepare for the future, so also there is a Shabbat for the land. Give the land a rest, give the farmers a rest and a time to refocus. Even though a Jew and his land must rest, if the land is owned by a non-Jew, none of the restrictions apply.
I remember how all the available young married men in Tsfat were sent out to the northern town of Kiryat Shmona and farther north into the Golan to supervise in the orchards of our Arab cousins. We watched the fruit being picked and packed, then sealed and each box numbered until it was taken away to be sold. The Arab farmers were ecstatic. All their produce so much in demand. In fact, there were some who made enough profit in one year to support themselves for the next six. And not only local non-Jewish farmers prospered. Jordan, Turkey, Greece, all of Israel’s neighbors were also lining up to supply Israel with fresh produce.
What lesson can we take from the shmitah year? Yes, take a step back from our work and make an account. Are we moving in the right direction? What can I do to make my efforts more effective and successful?
However, there is another message. Shabbat, the seventh day of the week, is known as a taste of the World to Come. The seventh year, shmitah, also has this element. It hints to a time when the Jewish people will not have to provide for themselves by the work of their hands. We will be free to use our time and efforts in learning Torah and keeping G-d’s mitzvot, without having to provide our material needs or worry about physicality.
May those days of Mashiach come now, even before the new year begins!
Wishing you a good and sweet new year.
Shaul.