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Exodus 23:11 - Let land rest, feed the needy

Exodus 23:11 - שמות 23:11

Hebrew Text

וְהַשְּׁבִיעִת תִּשְׁמְטֶנָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּהּ וְאָכְלוּ אֶבְיֹנֵי עַמֶּךָ וְיִתְרָם תֹּאכַל חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה כֵּן־תַּעֲשֶׂה לְכַרְמְךָ לְזֵיתֶךָ׃

English Translation

but the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie fallow; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave, the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy olive grove.

Transliteration

Vehashvi'it tishmetena unetash'tah ve'achlu evyonei amecha veyitram tochal chayat hasadeh ken-ta'aseh lecharmecha lezeit'cha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַשְּׁבִיעִ֞ת תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ וְאָֽכְלוּ֙ אֶבְיֹנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְיִתְרָ֕ם תֹּאכַ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה כֵּֽן־תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְכַרְמְךָ֖ לְזֵיתֶֽךָ׃
וְהַשְּׁבִיעִ֞ת תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ וְאָֽכְלוּ֙ אֶבְיֹנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְיִתְרָ֕ם תֹּאכַ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה כֵּֽן־תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְכַרְמְךָ֖ לְזֵיתֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Shemitah (Sabbatical Year)

The verse (Shemot 23:11) commands the observance of Shemitah, the seventh year when agricultural work in Eretz Yisrael must cease. Rashi explains that this mitzvah applies specifically to the Land of Israel, as it is a unique sanctity tied to the land itself. The owner must relinquish ownership of the produce, allowing it to be freely available to all, particularly the poor.

Equal Access for All

The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V'Yovel 4:1) emphasizes that during Shemitah, all produce is considered hefker (ownerless), and both the wealthy and poor have equal rights to it. However, the Torah specifically mentions "the poor of your people" to highlight that the mitzvah ensures their needs are met first, as they rely on this system for sustenance.

Leaving for Animals

The phrase "what they leave, the beasts of the field shall eat" teaches that after human needs are met, the remaining produce is designated for animals. The Sforno notes that this reflects the harmony of creation—when humans fulfill their divine obligations, even wildlife benefits from Hashem's providence.

Application to Vineyards and Olive Groves

  • The verse extends the law to vineyards and olive groves, as explained in the Talmud (Moed Katan 2b), to emphasize that no agricultural work—pruning, harvesting, or processing—is permitted.
  • The Ramban adds that this universalizes the mitzvah, ensuring all major crops in Israel are included, reinforcing the idea of complete trust in Hashem's sustenance.

Spiritual Purpose

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects Shemitah to emunah (faith)—by refraining from work, farmers demonstrate their belief that sustenance comes from Hashem, not their labor alone. This aligns with the broader theme of Shabbat, where rest acknowledges divine creation and providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 3b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemittah) and the obligation to let the land lie fallow.
📖 Megillah 5b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the agricultural laws and the care for the poor during the Sabbatical year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:11 mean?
A: Exodus 23:11 teaches about the mitzvah (commandment) of Shmita, the Sabbatical year. Every seventh year, farmers in Israel must let their land rest—not planting or harvesting crops. The produce that grows on its own is left for the poor and for wild animals. This verse specifically mentions vineyards and olive groves, showing the law applies to all agricultural land.
Q: Why is the Shmita year important in Judaism?
A: Shmita is important because it fulfills a Torah commandment (Vayikra 25:1-7) and reminds us that the Land of Israel belongs to Hashem. As Rashi explains, letting the land rest demonstrates our trust in G-d’s providence. It also teaches compassion by providing for the poor and reinforces social equality, as all may freely gather the produce that grows.
Q: Does the Shmita law still apply today?
A: Yes, according to Orthodox Jewish tradition, Shmita remains a binding Torah commandment for farmers in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita 4:29) rules that even today, we must observe Shmita with all its details. Modern halachic solutions like 'Heter Mechira' (temporary sale of land to non-Jews) exist, but many strictly observe the traditional laws of Shmita.
Q: What can we learn from the Shmita year?
A: The Talmud (Avot 3:17) teaches that Shmita reminds us to avoid greed and materialism. By pausing agricultural work, we acknowledge that sustenance comes from Hashem. The Midrash (Sifra) also highlights how Shmita fosters empathy—just as we let the poor eat freely, we should always be generous. It’s a lesson in faith, humility, and social responsibility.
Q: How does Shmita affect vineyards and olive groves specifically?
A: As Exodus 23:11 states, Shmita applies equally to vineyards and olive groves. The Mishnah (Sheviit 5:1-3) details special laws: grapes may not be harvested commercially, but individuals may pick them for immediate use. Olives may only be collected in small quantities, not with professional tools. This ensures the produce remains accessible to all, as the verse commands.