Parsha: Shemita and Yovel: Two Approaches

Rav Yehuda Turetsky

The Torah discusses the Halachot of Shemita and Yovel in the beginning of Parshat Behar. The Pesukim  clearly indicate a strong connection between these two areas of halacha[1]. Yet, there appears to be several important distinctions between them.

1. The Mesech Chochmah (Behar 25:1-3) compares Shemita and Yovel to Shabbat and Yom Tov, respectively. Similar to Shabbat, Shemitah’s holiness exists irrespective of the actions of the Jewish people. Every seven years is Shemita, just as every seven days is Shabbat. Our actions in no way determine if those time periods are Kadosh. In contrast, Yovel is like Yom Tov. Those time periods demand an act of sanctification performed by the Jewish people. Without that, those time periods are not holy[2]. For Mesech Chochmah, Shemitah reminds us of God’s role in establishing holiness, whereas Yovel reminds us of ours.

2. Other Jewish thinkers contrast them differently. Shemitah takes place every seven years. According to Maharal and others, seven represents nature. Each week, for example, has seven days. Yovel, in contrast, is associated with either the number 50 (since it takes place only after 7 cycles of 7 years) or the number 8 (as it occurs immediately after the 7^th year). Both of those numbers are associated in Jewish thought with that which is beyond nature, not the typical and standard cycle found in this world. For them, Shemita reminds us of God’s holiness within nature, whereas Yovel reminds us of our potential to function beyond nature. Each has a place, and each is important.

Shemita and Yovel teach us about the true source of holiness. They clarify for us that holiness is found within nature, but that we have the potential to live a life beyond nature. They also remind us that God establishes Kedusha, but that so do we. Our actions have the capability of bringing more Kedusha into the world.

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[1] Both, for example, have a prohibition to work the land.

[2]See the Mesech Chochmah inside for the continuation of his explanation.

A discussion about how Yom Tov is established now is beyond the scope of this brief post.