In this week’s Torah portion we are given the commandment of Shmitta in which every 7 years, the land of Israel “rests and no farm work is done. The verse says, “If you will say: ‘What will we eat in the 7th year? Behold we are not planting and will not gather our produce? Hasham replies, then I will command My blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth produce for the three years. And I will command [and send forth] my blessing in the 6th year and it will produce enough for 3 years!”
As soon as one commits himself to keep the laws of Shemittah, Hasham guarantees that he will merit a supernatural bumper crop in the 6th year! Apparently, when a person dedicates himself to spirituality he merits a blessing even in his material needs.
This phenomenon is not limited to the commandment of Shemitta. The beginning of Parashat Becchukotai promises tremendous blessing in every facet of life to one who toils in Torah and observes the Mitzvot.

Harav Mordechai Gifter Z”T”L, The Rosh Yeshiva of Telz (Telshe), relates that when he was a Yeshiva Bachur in Lithuania, he and his friends would stroll in the fields while deeply engaged in learning. As they were walking, the Gentile farmers would urge them, “Please, walk in my field! We want our fields to be blessed!” Apparently, even a simple farmer was aware of the power and holiness of those who occupy themselves in Torah and Mitzvot. Surely, we need to be conscious of this as well and become even more motivated in our relationship with Hasham!

By Rabbi Sharaga Thav
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