Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 25:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:15 discusses the laws of buying and selling land in the Land of Israel, specifically in relation to the Jubilee (Yovel) year. It teaches that when purchasing land, the price should be calculated based on how many years remain until the next Jubilee, when the land will return to its original owner. This ensures fairness in transactions, as the buyer is only paying for the years they will actually benefit from the land.
Q: Why is the Jubilee year important in this verse?
A: The Jubilee year (Yovel) is important because it represents a reset for land ownership in the Land of Israel. Every 50 years, all land returns to its original tribal owners (as per Leviticus 25:10). Leviticus 25:15 emphasizes that land sales are temporary, lasting only until the next Jubilee. This law reinforces the Torah’s teaching that the land ultimately belongs to Hashem, and we are merely temporary stewards of it.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern times?
A: While the Jubilee laws primarily apply when the majority of the Jewish people live in the Land of Israel and the Temple is standing, the principles behind Leviticus 25:15 remain relevant. It teaches fairness in business, respect for property rights, and the idea that material possessions are temporary. Many apply these lessons by conducting business ethically and remembering that wealth is a means to serve Hashem, not an end in itself.
Q: What is the significance of 'according to the number of years of the fruits' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'according to the number of years of the fruits' means the price should reflect the number of harvests remaining until the Jubilee. If there are many years left, the land is more valuable; if few, it is less. This ensures fairness, as the buyer pays only for the productive years they will actually use the land before it returns to its original owner.
Q: Does this verse only apply to agricultural land?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like the Talmud (Arachin 29b), this verse primarily refers to agricultural land, as its value depends on harvests. However, the Sages derive broader principles about fair pricing and ethical business conduct from this law. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemitta v’Yovel 11:1) also discusses how these laws apply to different types of property sales in the Land of Israel.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 25:15) appears in the context of the laws of Yovel (Jubilee) and land sales in Eretz Yisrael. It establishes the principle that the price of land must be calculated based on the remaining years until the Yovel, when all land returns to its original owners.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the verse teaches two key principles:
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchot Shemitta V'Yovel (11:1), Rambam rules that this verse establishes a Torah prohibition against overcharging for land based on years until Yovel. He emphasizes that both buyer and seller must calculate honestly based on the remaining agricultural seasons.
Talmudic Analysis (Arachin 29b)
The Talmud derives from this verse that:
Torat Kohanim (Sifra)
The Torat Kohanim elaborates that this mitzvah applies specifically between "your fellow" (עמיתך), teaching that Jews must deal honestly with each other in business matters. It also notes that the dual phrasing ("buy... sell") comes to include all types of real estate transactions.
Practical Implications
This verse establishes fundamental Jewish business ethics principles: