Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'In the year of this jubilee you shall return every man to his possession' mean?
A: This verse refers to the Yovel (Jubilee) year, which occurs every 50 years in the Jewish calendar. According to the Torah (Leviticus 25), during Yovel, all ancestral lands that were sold must be returned to their original owners, and Hebrew slaves are set free. Rashi explains that this teaches us that the land ultimately belongs to Hashem, and we are merely temporary caretakers.
Q: Why is the Yovel (Jubilee) year important in Judaism?
A: The Yovel year is important because it reinforces the principles of social justice and economic equality in Jewish law. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel) explains that Yovel prevents permanent poverty by ensuring that no family permanently loses its ancestral land. It also reminds us of Hashem's ownership of the world and our responsibility to follow His commandments.
Q: How does the concept of Yovel apply today?
A: While the full laws of Yovel currently do not apply (as they depend on all tribes living in Israel and the Sanhedrin), the values behind it remain relevant. The Talmud (Arachin 32b) discusses the conditions for Yovel's observance. Today, we learn from Yovel about fairness, trust in Hashem, and the importance of economic justice. Many also connect it to the mitzvah of supporting those in need.
Q: What is the difference between the Shemitah (Sabbatical) year and Yovel (Jubilee)?
A: Shemitah occurs every 7 years and involves letting the land rest, forgiving loans (Deuteronomy 15), and releasing Hebrew slaves after 6 years (Exodus 21). Yovel, every 50 years, includes all Shemitah laws plus the return of ancestral lands (Leviticus 25) and the release of all Hebrew slaves regardless of how long they served. Rashi notes that Yovel is announced with the shofar, symbolizing freedom.
Q: What can we learn from the Yovel year's commandment to return land?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) teaches that returning land during Yovel reminds us that no possession is truly permanent—everything ultimately belongs to Hashem. It also emphasizes the importance of family heritage and fairness in society. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah 10:8) highlights how this prevents the rich from permanently dominating the poor, creating a balanced society based on Torah values.
Verse Context
The verse (Vayikra 25:13) is part of the Torah's laws concerning the Yovel (Jubilee) year, which occurs every 50 years. It mandates the return of ancestral land to its original owners and the emancipation of Hebrew slaves, reinforcing the idea that land in Eretz Yisrael is ultimately owned by Hashem and allotted to families as an eternal inheritance.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 25:13) emphasizes that the return of land during Yovel is automatic and not dependent on monetary reimbursement. Even if the land was sold or transferred, it reverts to its original owner without payment, demonstrating that the land is not truly sold but "leased" until Yovel.
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchot Shemittah V'Yovel (10:8), the Rambam rules that this law applies only when the majority of the Jewish people dwell in Eretz Yisrael, as the sanctity of Yovel is contingent upon tribal settlement in their designated portions. This underscores the deep connection between the land, the tribes, and divine providence.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:7) links this verse to the broader theme of divine justice: just as land returns to its owners in Yovel, so too will Hashem ultimately restore all things to their proper order. This reflects the concept of Tikkun Olam (rectification of the world) through adherence to mitzvot.
Philosophical Implications