The Weekly Shtikle - Behar / Bechukosai

The Weekly Shtikle is dedicated le'iluy nishmas my dear Zadie and Bubbie, HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Yitzchak and Yehudis bas Reuven Pinchas.

    This week's parsha begins with the laws of Shemittah and Yoveil. In last week's parsha, the mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer was discussed. The similarities between the two are clear. We are told in the gemara (Rosh HaShanah 5a) declares that there is a mitzvah to count the weeks of Sefiras HaOmer as well as the days. This is in direct correlation with the counting of the Shemittah years in conjunction with the counting towards Yoveil.

 

    The technical similarities are obvious. What bothered me, however, was that if these two mitzvos are so technically similar, what is the underlying concept that connects the two. Yes, they are similar - but why? I have not had a chance to research this fully as it has been a busy week. But I would like to open the floor. and ask for your input on the matter. I would appreciate if suggestions were posted on the blog but email will do if necessary.

 

    One interesting distinction between the two is noted by R' Moshe Hauer in this week's bulletin for his shul, B'nei Jacob Sha'arei Zion in Baltimore. The mitzvah of Yoveil is a constantly cycling one. As soon as one cycle is over, another begins. Conversely, Sefiras HaOmer is designated to one specific time of year and does not restart until the next year.

 

    Just some food for thought.

 

    Have a good Shabbos.

 

Eliezer Bulka

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