shemitah

The Shemitah, also known as the Sabbatical year, is a commandment observed in Judaism. It occurs every seventh year in a seven-year cycle. During the Shemitah year, the land in the Land of Israel is commanded to lie fallow, and agricultural work such as plowing, sowing, and harvesting is prohibited. This observance is detailed in the Torah, particularly in Leviticus 25.

The purpose of the Shemitah is multifaceted. It serves as a period of rest for the land, allowing it to recover and regenerate. It also emphasizes trust in God's providence, as individuals are expected to rely on Him for sustenance during this time when the land is not cultivated. Furthermore, it promotes social justice by releasing debts. All debts owed by Israelites to other Israelites were to be forgiven or released at the end of the seventh year.

While the agricultural aspects are primarily applicable within the Land of Israel, the principle of debt release has had varying interpretations and applications throughout Jewish history and in different communities. The Shemitah cycle is also significant in Jewish calendar calculations and is considered a time of spiritual reflection and renewal. The seventh year of the Shemitah cycle is followed by the Jubilee year, which has additional commandments related to land redistribution and the emancipation of slaves.