Shlomo's Thoughts on the Torah

Today is the 33rd day of the Omer, known as Log B'Omer.  It is a mini festival when we remember that a plague that was destroying Rebbe Akiva's students suddenly stopped.  What was the reason for the plague and what can we learn from it?

While the Torah has a respect for private property and wants us to earn our way in the world, Shmita reminds us that, in the final analysis, God is in control of the world.  We are commanded to make the most of our situation but if God does not help us we just won't succeed.

In this week’s Portion the Torah ties liberty with property fights. Basically, when there is no ownership of property, there is no liberty. That is why one the quote on the Liberty Bell is found in this week’s Portion: Proclaim Liberty thro’ all the Land to all the Inhabitants thereof.-Levit. XXV. 10.

A Jew becomes a slave due to being convicted of theft.  The thief is required to repay the victim for the property stolen and pay damages for the pain and suffering that he caused.  This is different from most other forms of law that do not connect the victim and perpetrator.  The Torah reminds us that there is a connection.

In this week's portion we learn about the Jubilee year in which all Jewish slaves are to set free whether they want to be free or not.  The question is who would not want to be free?  The answer is that a slave has no worries about his sustenance.  His master makes sure he has food, housing, etc.  The goal of the Torah is that we should be free to make our own decisions.