May 7 & 8, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010 4:35 pm
Behar - Behukotai, Leviticus 25:1-26-2 and 26:3-27:34
This double portion is the final reading in the book of Leviticus. We will therefore end the reading by standing and reciting together: Hazak, Hazak, v'Nit-hazek/ Strength, Strength, May we be able to strengthen one another.
Parshat Behar is the primary section of the Torah to lay down the principles of land tenure in ancient Israel. We are introduced to the concepts of the Sabbatical Year, in which the land must be allowed to rest and lie fallow. Anything that grows of its own accord may be eaten by anyone. Every fiftieth year following seven Sabbatical years, must be declared a Jubilee year. During that year all land sold since the previous Jubilee will revert to the original owner. Thus land cannot be sold, only the use of the and for however many years remain until the Jubilee. In this way in theory no one will become disenfranchised.
When relatives become impoverished, their next of kin is obligated to redeem his holdings and support him without taking advantage.
Special provisions exist for dwellings in walled cities. The Torah also discusses what one's obligation is when an Israelite becomes indentured to a non-Israelite.
As in most covenants, treaties, contract or agreements, Parshat Bekhukotai lists both the blessings that will result from faithfully keeping the covenant and the consequences of disobeying. Rabbi Kushner notes in our Humash: "Several commentators, notably Ibn Ezra, insist that although more verses are dedicated to the Tokhehah/ curses, the blessings promised in the opening section outweigh it in quality. The curses are spelled out at length in the hope that they will put fear into the hearts of those who cannot be persuaded to do what is right by any other means."
Hazak, Hazak, v'Nit-hazek