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Leviticus 25:10 - Freedom, land return, jubilee renewal

Leviticus 25:10 - ויקרא 25:10

Hebrew Text

וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּם אֵת שְׁנַת הַחֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה וּקְרָאתֶם דְּרוֹר בָּאָרֶץ לְכָל־יֹשְׁבֶיהָ יוֹבֵל הִוא תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם וְשַׁבְתֶּם אִישׁ אֶל־אֲחֻזָּתוֹ וְאִישׁ אֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתּוֹ תָּשֻׁבוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants: it shall be a jubilee for you; and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family.

Transliteration

Vekidashtem et shnat hachamishim shana ukratem dror ba'aretz lechol yoshveha yovel hi tihyeh lakhem veshavtem ish el achuzato ve'ish el mishpachto tashuvu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּ֗ם אֵ֣ת שְׁנַ֤ת הַחֲמִשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּקְרָאתֶ֥ם דְּר֛וֹר בָּאָ֖רֶץ לְכׇל־יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ יוֹבֵ֥ל הִוא֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְשַׁבְתֶּ֗ם אִ֚ישׁ אֶל־אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ תָּשֻֽׁבוּ׃
וְקִדַּשְׁתֶּ֗ם אֵ֣ת שְׁנַ֤ת הַחֲמִשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּקְרָאתֶ֥ם דְּר֛וֹר בָּאָ֖רֶץ לְכׇל־יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ יוֹבֵ֥ל הִוא֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם וְשַׁבְתֶּ֗ם אִ֚ישׁ אֶל־אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶל־מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ תָּשֻֽׁבוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Jubilee Year

The verse (Vayikra 25:10) commands the sanctification of the fiftieth year, known as Yovel (Jubilee). According to Rashi, this sanctification involves declaring the year holy through the Beit Din (Jewish court) and sounding the shofar on Yom Kippur to mark its commencement. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel 10:1-2) elaborates that the sanctity of Yovel parallels that of Shabbat, imposing restrictions on agricultural work and emphasizing reliance on Hashem.

Proclaiming Liberty Throughout the Land

The phrase "וּקְרָאתֶם דְּרוֹר בָּאָרֶץ" ("proclaim liberty throughout the land") signifies the emancipation of Hebrew slaves and the return of ancestral lands. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 9b) explains that deror (liberty) implies freedom from servitude, as well as the cancellation of debts. The Sforno adds that this liberty reflects the ideal state of Bnei Yisrael as servants only to Hashem, not to other humans.

Return to Ancestral Possessions and Families

The verse mandates that every individual returns to their ancestral land (אֲחֻזָּתוֹ) and family (מִשְׁפַּחְתּוֹ). Rashi notes that this ensures the preservation of tribal inheritances as allotted by Yehoshua. The Ramban emphasizes the deeper spiritual message: just as physical property is restored, so too must individuals "return" to their spiritual roots and familial obligations. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:10) connects this return to the broader theme of teshuvah (repentance), as Yovel symbolizes a fresh start.

Yovel as a Reflection of Divine Sovereignty

The Jubilee year underscores Hashem's ownership of the land, as stated in Vayikra 25:23 ("For the land is Mine"). The Chizkuni explains that by relinquishing control over land and servants, Bnei Yisrael acknowledge that all possessions are ultimately granted by Hashem. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 332) highlights Yovel as a reminder of the Exodus, reinforcing the idea that true freedom comes from divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 8b
The verse is discussed in the context of determining the sanctity of the Jubilee year and its implications for the counting of years.
📖 Arakhin 29a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of the Jubilee year, particularly regarding the proclamation of liberty and the return of property.
📖 Megillah 14b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the significance of the Jubilee year and its connection to the concept of freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Yovel (Jubilee) year in the Torah?
A: The Yovel (Jubilee) year is the 50th year in the cycle of counting seven Shemitah (Sabbatical) years, as commanded in Leviticus 25:10. It is a sacred year where slaves are freed, ancestral lands are returned to their original owners, and the land rests from agricultural work. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 10:1) explains that it is a time of spiritual renewal and social justice.
Q: Why does the Torah command us to 'proclaim liberty' during Yovel?
A: The Torah commands 'proclaim liberty' (דְּרוֹר) during Yovel to emphasize the importance of freedom and returning to one's roots. Rashi explains that this liberty includes the release of Hebrew slaves and the return of inherited land. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:10) teaches that true freedom means serving Hashem, not being enslaved to material possessions or other people.
Q: What does it mean to 'return every man to his possession' in Yovel?
A: The phrase 'return every man to his possession' means that ancestral lands sold due to financial hardship must be returned to their original owners in the Yovel year. The Talmud (Arachin 29b) explains that this ensures economic fairness and prevents permanent loss of family inheritance. Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 11:1) adds that this reinforces trust in Hashem as the true owner of the land.
Q: How is Yovel observed today?
A: Since the destruction of the Temple and the exile of most Jews from the Land of Israel, the full observance of Yovel (including land return and freeing slaves) is not practiced today. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 10:4-5) states that the laws of Yovel still apply when the majority of the Jewish people live in Israel. Today, we study its laws and internalize its messages of freedom, justice, and reliance on Hashem.
Q: What is the spiritual lesson of Yovel?
A: Yovel teaches us that everything ultimately belongs to Hashem, and we are merely temporary stewards of our possessions. The Sforno (Leviticus 25:10) explains that returning land and freeing slaves reminds us of our dependence on Hashem. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 31b) also highlights the ethical lesson of treating others with fairness and compassion, ensuring no one remains permanently disadvantaged.