This Rosh haShanah 5782 marked the start of a seventh year sabbatical known as Shmitah. The tradition goes back to the covenant our ancestors made with The One as they first entered the land of Israel after wandering through the desert for 40 years. Shmitah is mentioned in the Torah multiple times. In Exodus, we are told: “For six years you are to sow your land and to gather in its produce, but in the seventh, you are to let it go and to let it be, that the needy of your people may eat, and what remains, the wildlife of the field shall eat. Do thus with your vineyard, with your olive grove.” This is interpreted as a reminder that the land does not belong to people, it belongs to itself. In fact, it’s not just an interpretation. In Leviticus the voice that speaks for the land tells us directly, “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with me.” Finally, in Deuteronomy, the requirement of release is carried over to financial properties: “All of those who bear debt must release their hold.” In other words, all debts are forgiven – in today’s terms that would mean, a release from housing debt, tuition debt, medical debt, credit card debt, and more. Imagine a world where nature takes control and everyone gets a do-over on financial planning.
Totally radical thinking.
There are even more revolutionary propositions for the Jubilee year, the 7th shmitah in a cycle including all land returning to a land bank and being reallocated.
Holy wow, as Rabbi Jessica would say. Can you imagine?
Historically, Talmudically, Shmita was required only of Jews living in the land of Israel. Today, even there, only the most Orthodox observe it and then it’s not without some serious issues – a topic for another time. For some reason, it was deemed an undue burden on those living elsewhere and according to some, such observance is therefore forbidden.
However, 21st century Jewish environmentalists in Israel and around the world have been finding inspiration in shmitah for at least a decade. And this year, as we enter shmita more attuned to injustices around basic human needs like food, housing, education, and safety, more people including our growing list of friends in Central Ohio Jews for Justice are embracing shmita as a concept worthy of consideration. As we face the challenges of climate crisis and related issues of social justice, we ask what can shmita teach us? How can it help guide us, and by us I mean all Earthlings with power and not just Jews, to live our lives in respect and appreciation for the land and all its inhabitants?
If nothing else this shmita cycle, I encourage you to learn something about shmita. It’s another amazing tool that’s been buried at the bottom of the Jewish toolbox for millennia but is making a comeback because it has really interesting and important things to teach us. Things we need to learn RIGHT NOW. KSS is starting a monthly study group supported by a national project project called Shmita Hives and would love to have more voices in our conversations. Our first meeting is November 14th at 4pm. Find information on our calendar.
Shanah Tovah. Shmita Tovah. May 5782 be a year in which all of Earth’s inhabitants know peace and prosperity, health and happiness.