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Leviticus 25:11 - Freedom in the fiftieth year?

Leviticus 25:11 - ויקרא 25:11

Hebrew Text

יוֹבֵל הִוא שְׁנַת הַחֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם לֹא תִזְרָעוּ וְלֹא תִקְצְרוּ אֶת־סְפִיחֶיהָ וְלֹא תִבְצְרוּ אֶת־נְזִרֶיהָ׃

English Translation

A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be to you: you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself in it, nor gather in it the grapes of thy undressed vine.

Transliteration

Yovel hi shnat hachamishim shana tihyeh lachem lo tizra'u velo tiktzoru et-sfichayha velo tivtzoru et-nzireha.

Hebrew Leining Text

יוֹבֵ֣ל הִ֗וא שְׁנַ֛ת הַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם לֹ֣א תִזְרָ֔עוּ וְלֹ֤א תִקְצְרוּ֙ אֶת־סְפִיחֶ֔יהָ וְלֹ֥א תִבְצְר֖וּ אֶת־נְזִרֶֽיהָ׃
יוֹבֵ֣ל הִ֗וא שְׁנַ֛ת הַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם לֹ֣א תִזְרָ֔עוּ וְלֹ֤א תִקְצְרוּ֙ אֶת־סְפִיחֶ֔יהָ וְלֹ֥א תִבְצְר֖וּ אֶת־נְזִרֶֽיהָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Concept of Yovel (Jubilee)

The verse describes the sanctity of the Yovel (Jubilee) year, the fiftieth year in the cycle of the Shmita (Sabbatical) years. According to the Torah (Vayikra 25:11), the Yovel year is a time of spiritual and agricultural renewal, where the land rests, slaves are freed, and ancestral lands are returned to their original owners. The prohibition against sowing, reaping, and harvesting grapes underscores the holiness of this time, akin to the Shabbat for the land.

Agricultural Prohibitions in Yovel

Rashi (Vayikra 25:11) explains that the phrase "לֹא תִזְרָעוּ" ("you shall not sow") refers to a complete cessation of agricultural work, just as in the Shmita year. The phrase "וְלֹא תִקְצְרוּ אֶת־סְפִיחֶיהָ" ("nor reap that which grows of itself") prohibits harvesting even the naturally growing produce, as it is considered ownerless (hefker) and must be available to all. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita v’Yovel 10:8) further clarifies that the Yovel year carries the same agricultural restrictions as Shmita, reinforcing its sanctity.

The Undressed Vine (נְזִרֶיהָ)

The term "נְזִרֶיהָ" ("undressed vine") refers to grapes that grow without cultivation. The Sifra (Behar 3:1) interprets this as a prohibition against harvesting grapes that grow wild during Yovel, as they too are considered ownerless. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 9b) discusses whether Yovel is counted as the first year of the next cycle or the last of the previous one, highlighting its unique status in the agricultural and calendrical system.

Spiritual and Social Significance

The Yovel year serves as a reminder of divine ownership of the land (Vayikra 25:23) and reinforces social justice by ensuring economic equity. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemita v’Yovel 10:3) emphasizes that Yovel is a time of freedom and restoration, where all Israelites return to their ancestral inheritance. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:7) connects Yovel to the sounding of the shofar, symbolizing liberation and divine sovereignty.

Key Teachings from Yovel

  • Trust in Hashem: Abstaining from agriculture demonstrates faith that G-d provides sustenance even without human labor.
  • Social Justice: The return of land and liberation of slaves ensure economic balance and compassion.
  • Spiritual Renewal: The Yovel year is a time for introspection, akin to the Shmita year, reinforcing our connection to the divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 29b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of the Jubilee year, particularly regarding the prohibition of agricultural work during this year.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 8b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the counting of years for the Jubilee and the Sabbatical year.
📖 Moed Katan 2b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the prohibitions of agricultural labor during the Jubilee year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Yovel (Jubilee) year mentioned in Leviticus 25:11?
A: The Yovel (Jubilee) is the 50th year in the Jewish agricultural cycle, following seven cycles of seven years (49 years). During this year, the Torah commands that the land must rest (no planting or harvesting), all Hebrew slaves are freed, and ancestral lands return to their original owners. Rashi explains that this demonstrates Hashem's ownership of the land and our dependence on Him.
Q: Why is the Yovel year important in Judaism?
A: The Yovel year teaches fundamental Jewish values: 1) Trust in Hashem - by not working the land, we show faith that He provides sustenance. 2) Social equality - debts are forgiven and property returns to original families, preventing permanent poverty. 3) Freedom - slaves go free, reminding us that all Jews are ultimately servants of Hashem alone. The Rambam emphasizes these ethical and spiritual lessons in his writings.
Q: Do we still observe the Yovel year today?
A: No, the Yovel year is not currently observed because its laws depend on all Twelve Tribes of Israel living in their ancestral lands with the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court) functioning. The Talmud (Arachin 32b) explains that Yovel was only observed when most Jews lived in Israel under these conditions. Many pray for the time when we can again fulfill this mitzvah properly.
Q: What's the difference between Shmita (Sabbatical year) and Yovel?
A: Shmita occurs every 7 years (land rests, debts forgiven), while Yovel is every 50 years. Key differences: 1) Yovel adds freedom for slaves and land returning to owners. 2) The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 9a) teaches that Yovel's agricultural laws apply even if the previous Shmita wasn't observed. 3) Yovel is announced with shofar blasts on Yom Kippur, symbolizing spiritual renewal.
Q: What spiritual lesson can we learn from Yovel today?
A: Even without observing Yovel practically, we learn: 1) True ownership belongs to Hashem - we're temporary guardians of possessions. 2) Material possessions shouldn't define us - the land returning teaches detachment. 3) Fresh starts are sacred - the Midrash compares Yovel to spiritual rebirth. Many use these ideas during Elul and Tishrei (repentance season) when we 'reset' our souls.