The Meaning of Shmita

What is Shmita? God commands that when the Jewish people [music] arrive in the land of Israel, they will need to count six years and work the land, planting, harvesting, and pruning. [music] But in the seventh year, the year of Shmita, the land must rest. For an entire year, it is forbidden to plow, plant, or tend to the fields and vineyards. If something grows on its own in the field, anyone can take it and eat it. Everyone is allowed to eat from the fruits that grow in the fields. Why did God command Shmita? Give the land rest, just as [music] Shabbat gives rest to people. It reminds us that the land belongs to God, and we're only [music] its caretakers for a while. God promises that in the sixth year, the land will produce an especially large [music] crop, enough for 3 years, the sixth year itself, the Shmita year, and even the eighth year. >> [music]