From Rabbi Bergman:
In Parshat Behar, we learn about the laws of the Shmita year (Sabbatical year). During the Shmita year we are taught to have compassion for those who have less as ideally all of the fields should be “hefker” (ownerless), left open for others to take what they need.
According to the Rambam in the Guide for the Perplexed: Some of the laws of Shmita imply sympathy with our fellow men and promote the well being of mankind; for in reference to these precepts it is stated in the Torah: “That the poor of your people may eat” (Shmot 23:11).
The 17th century sage, the Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) points out that "the Shmita year contains factors conducive to union and peace. For since no sowing or planting is allowed, the poor may eat freely and none may store produce and treat it as his own, this undoubtedly creates favorable conditions towards peace, because all strife originates from the attitude of “mine is mine” and people claiming their rights. But in the seventh year all are equal- this can indeed generate peace."
In this spirit, it is fitting to quote this week's Pirkei Avot chapter (5:13) where we learn:
There are four character types among people:
a. One who says, ‘My property is mine and yours is yours,’ is an average character type. (But some say that this is characteristic of Sdom.)
b. ‘Mine is yours and yours is mine,’ is an unlearned person.
c. ‘Mine is yours and yours is yours,’ is scrupulously pious.
d. ‘Yours is mine and mine is mine’ is a Rasha.
May we all embody these lessons of Shmita and come to a true place of equality and peace! Shabbat Shalom!
