What is Shemittah?

Shemittah, or shviis, is a very special year that is kadosh to Hashem. Just like Am Yisrael rests on Shabbos, Eretz Yisrael rests during the seventh year. Fields, gardens, and orchards are left unworked.

Shemittah: Three Flavors!

Only Hashem knows the reason for the mitzvos that He gives us. We are, though, given what’s called a taam — a reason that we can understand, to help us feel connected to the mitzvah and appreciate it. In fact, that’s why the word taam means both reason and also… taste. Because it’s the reasons that give this mitzvah such a great flavor. So… here’s the mitzvah of shemittah like you never tasted it before!

Reason number 1:

A farmer says:

Just like Shabbos reminds us that Hashem created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, shemittah — which is like Shabbos a whole year long — reminds us that the earth didn’t come into existence by itself, nor did it always exist. It was made by Hashem. And it was made for a reason. Leaving our fields bare for a whole “Shabbos” helps us remember that.

Reason number 2:

A farmer says:

When I plow and sow and reap my harvest, it’s easy to think that the ground, and the yummy oranges I grow, as well as the potatoes and wheat, are mine. I can think they’ve grown only due to my hard work. Shemittah reminds me that the beautiful crops come from Hashem, and the very earth belongs to Him.

Reason number 3:

Farmer says: We all know that parnassah comes from Hashem. But by not working on my field, I really remember that. I exercise my bitachon muscles — but good! — and trust that Hashem will send me His brachah.