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We work six days, and the seventh day, Shabbat, is consecrated to G‑d, a day to spiritually refresh and reconnect with our Creator.

In a similar vein, every seventh year is holy; the Shemitah (Sabbatical) year is a year devoted to strengthening our bond with G‑d, and specifically to honing our faith in His omnipotence and our trust in His kindness.

This year, the year 5768 since creation (Sept. 13, 2007-Sept. 29, 2008), is a Shemitah year. The articles in the following sections will explain this year's special observances and laws, as well as expand on its spiritual message and practical relevance in the 21st century.

Wishing you an inspiring, uplifting and meaningful Shemitah year!


Shemitah 101
Shemitah 101
The Shemitah basics -- absolution of loans, desisting from all field work, and the spiritual objective of all the above.
Loan AmnestyLoan Amnesty
Deserting the Farms
Deserting the Farms
A digest of the pertinent laws of shemitat karka, the agricultural restrictions of the Sabbatical (Shemitah) year.
Essays, Insights & StoriesShmitah Essays, Insights & Stories

Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: June 27, 2008
RE: Shemitah
Shemitah only applies in the biblical land of Israel. Since you live outside of Israel, you are exempt from these restrictions. You do however, need to excercise caution when purchasing fruit from Israel.
Posted By Menachem Posner for Chabad.org

Posted: June 26, 2008
shemitah
We are new to the ways of our fathers. I had heard of the shemitah but had thought that it began 5769.

In our ignorance we had begun a garden, what do we do?

Does this mean that we are not to even harvest or pick any wild fruit, fruit trees and corn when in season?

I had picked some wild blackberries recently and the consequencies have become evident. Since reading this I understand that it is the Shemitah. Oy vey!

So, no gardening or harvesting of any kind? wild or domestic?
Posted By Anonymous, Williamsburg, VA, USA

Posted: Sep 14, 2007
I really enjoyed it
Posted By NIssi



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Shemitah (23 articles)

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