"I will ordain my blessing for you in the sixth year and it will yield a crop sufficient for the three-year period" (Behar 25, 21)

Rashi states that the phrase "The land will give its fruit" means that you will not fear a year of draught, and the phrase "you will eat your fill" means that even within the intestines there will be a blessing.

Following the promised blessing enumerated in verse 19, the Torah discusses the person with little faith who asks, "What will we eat in the seventh year?" (Behar 25, 20). The Sforno comments that the fact that verse 19 details the blessings of the shemitta year, even before the person of little faith is discussed, demonstrates that verse 19 relates to the person with complete, unquestioning faith that Hashem will fulfill His promises. Therefore, the Sforno says, the blessing related in verse 19 is different from the blessing in verse 21 - "I will ordain my blessing for you in the sixth year and it will yield a crop sufficient for the three-year period."

According to the Sforno, when Hashem says that "the land will give its fruit and you will eat your fill", this implies that in the sixth year the land will not yield anymore produce than any other normal year. This is a blessing of quality. Despite the fact that there is only one year of produce for three years, one year's quantity of food will be sufficient to sustain the true believer for the full three years (the sixth, seventh and eighth years), because a little amount of food will be as filling as a normal amount. This is why Rashi says, "even within the intestines there will be a blessing." As a result of this blessing, the person who possesses complete faith in Hashem will not have to exert much energy in collecting food for the three-year period.

On the other hand, the one who asks, "What will we eat in the seventh year?", is on a lower spiritual level, so Hashem has to increase the yield in the sixth year in order for there to be a sufficient quantity of food to last for the entire three years. Instead of Hashem stating to the doubter that "you will eat your fill", He promises that "I will ordain my blessing for you in the sixth year and it will yield a crop sufficient for the three-year period." This is not a blessing of quality but only one of quantity - a lesser blessing than the one bestowed upon the person with a greater level of faith.

Even though this person asked a seemingly logical question - "What will we eat in the seventh year?" - this demonstrates a lack of faith in Hashem. Due to this blemish in faith, the person is bestowed with an "imperfect" blessing. Although Hashem will provide this person with three years worth of food, he will have to expend a great deal of trouble and effort collecting it.

Rabbi Chaim Henoch HaKohen z'l asks why of all the laws in the Torah, the violation of the law regarding the Sabbatical Year is specifically enumerated as a cause of Bnei Yisroel's exile?

The essence of the Sabbatical Year's observance is to teach us that Hashem is the owner and ruler of the world and all of the land in it. Therefore, Hashem expects his "tenants" to adhere to certain rules consistent with Hashem's dominion while living on His land; namely, the Sabbatical Year. If man conducts himself in accordance with these laws, then Hashem will grant His "tenants" a lease on the land, which is renewable every seventh year.

However, if man defies Hashem by not observing the Sabbatical Year, man is declaring his sole ownership of the land. This violation of the "lease term" leaves Hashem with no choice but to evict man in order to remind him that Hashem is the sole owner of the world.

TABLE TALK

THE DILEMMA
(What is permitted to do in this situation?)

On the way home, Boruch decides that he will purchase another half price door for his father's house. When Boruch arrives home, he finds out that he chose the wrong color door.

Boruch wants to return it but he cannot find the receipt. Is it permissible for Boruch to purchase the door for his father and then use that receipt to return the first door that he purchased?

Would your answer differ if Boruch did not decide to purchase a second door until after he discovered the missing receipt?

What would be your answer if Boruch's friend happened to purchase the same door and Boruch wanted to use his friend's receipt?

(Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)

Last week's clues and answer: I do a lot for public service; My mother delivers; The first was the last of his kind; I always have G-d on my mind - Kohen Gadol

Congratulations to Eli and Davida Fink, the Hefter Family, Rabbi Aton Holzer, Rabbi Mordechai Nadoff and Dr. Sam Salamon

TORAH RIDDLE

Was it ever permissible for a healthy person to eat on Yom Kippur?

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's riddle and answer: Is it possible for Tisha B'Av to occur during the winter? Yes. In the Southern Hemisphere (like Australia). Congratulations to Eli Fink, the Hefter Family, Rabbi Aton Holzer, Aliza Krainess, Mr. Eric Mack, Mr. Neil Parks, Dr. Sam Salamon and Elisheva Schwersenski

THE KOLLEL FAMILY

MAZEL TOV

Mr. Phil Atkin on the bar mitzvah of his son, Sholom

REFUAH SHELEIMA

-Mr. Chaim Mordechai Katz

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

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There will be a siyum and hesped for the shloshim of Mr. Gerald Krainess z'l at the Cedar-Green Community Kollel on Sunday, May 6 after night seder.

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