Halacha:

Shemittah 

Parsha:

Behar,  Mishpatim 

Description

The institution of Shemittah, the Sabbatical year, is perhaps one of the most difficult mitzvot to properly observe in the entire Torah, and its violation is singled out as the root cause of the nation's ultimate exile. Why, though, is the commandment so central? What is the goal of the various mitzvot associated with the year, the refraining from agricultural labor, relinquishing of the land's produce for all to share, and the cancellation of debts? Are these laws about our relationship with Hashem or with our fellow man? This Torahcast, brought to you by ALHATORAH.ORG, featuring Neima Novetsky, explores these questions and more. For primary sources and analysis, see https://alhatorah.org/Purpose_of_Shemittah.