Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 25:3 mean?
A: Leviticus 25:3 teaches the mitzvah (commandment) of working the land for six years—sowing fields and pruning vineyards—before letting it rest in the seventh year, known as Shemitah (the Sabbatical year). This cycle emphasizes our stewardship of the land while recognizing that it ultimately belongs to Hashem.
Q: Why is the six-year work cycle important in Judaism?
A: The six-year cycle highlights the balance between human effort and divine providence. Rashi explains that this structure trains us to trust in Hashem’s sustenance, as the seventh year (Shemitah) requires us to refrain from agricultural work entirely (Leviticus 25:4). Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah 4:1) further notes that this cycle reinforces social equity by allowing the poor to gather freely during the seventh year.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 25:3 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of rhythm in life—balishing labor with rest and acknowledging Hashem’s ownership of the world. Even today, Shemitah observance in Israel (e.g., not farming the land) reminds us to prioritize spiritual growth over material gain. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20b) connects this to the idea of dedicating time to Torah study.
Q: Does this verse apply only to farmers?
A: While the literal mitzvah applies to agricultural work in Israel, the Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:3) derives broader principles: just as the land needs cycles of work and rest, so do people. Today, this inspires practices like Shabbat (weekly rest) and Sabbaticals in education or business, reflecting the same spiritual discipline.
Q: How is 'gathering the fruit' in this verse connected to blessings?
A: The phrase 'you shall gather its produce' implies that Hashem blesses the harvest of the first six years to sustain us through the Shemitah year. The Talmud (Moed Katan 3b) teaches that observing Shemitah faithfully leads to abundance, as stated in Leviticus 25:21: 'I will ordain My blessing for you.'
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 25:3) introduces the mitzvah of Shemittah (the Sabbatical year), which follows six years of agricultural work. This commandment is part of the broader laws concerning the Land of Israel and its sanctity, emphasizing our stewardship of the land under Hashem's sovereignty.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 25:3) clarifies that the six years of sowing and pruning are not merely descriptive but obligatory. A farmer may not choose to refrain from working the land during these six years, as the verse uses the imperative form ("tizra" – "thou shalt sow"). This underscores the active role humans must play in cultivating the land before allowing it to rest in the seventh year.
Rambam's Halachic Perspective
In Hilchot Shemittah V'Yovel (1:1), the Rambam codifies this as a positive commandment, obligating farmers to work the land for six years. He also notes (1:4) that the mitzvah applies only in Eretz Yisrael, highlighting the unique sanctity of the land and its connection to Divine service.
Symbolic Meaning
Agricultural and Social Dimensions
The Talmud (Moed Katan 3b) discusses the precise definition of "pruning" (tizmor) as including all necessary vineyard maintenance. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 25:3) expands on the social justice aspect: by ceasing agricultural work in the seventh year, landowners affirm that the earth ultimately belongs to Hashem, and its produce must be shared equally with all.