The Seven-Year Reset

"The shemitah highlights the divine intention for a society that transcends the constraints of financial burdens."

Imagine, you receive a certified letter in the mail, you open it, and it says: “This is official notification that all of your debt has been canceled” How would you feel? In Parashat Re'eh, Moshe is teaching the law of shemitah to the Israelites. There are two main aspects to this law. One aspect deals with agriculture and being proper stewards of the land. The Torah has already introduced the law of allowing the land and vineyards to “rest”. The land is not to be plowed and any produced that grows is not to be harvested. Anything that grows of itself is available for all, especially orphans, widows, and foreigners.

The other aspect is the remission or cancelation of debt. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 15:2 “The idea of the remission year is that every creditor shall remit any debt owed by his neighbor and brother when HaShem’s remission year comes around.” The Torah recognizes that debt can be a burden on individuals, families, and even communities. In ancient times, like modern times, people often became indebted due to various circumstances, such as poverty, loss of livelihood, or unforeseen misfortune. Recognizing the potential harm caused by perpetual indebtedness, the Torah provides guidelines to foster a more compassionate and just society.

In this parashah, Moshe is explaining to the Israelites the practice of debt forgiveness known as the shemitah; it is also referred to as the Sabbatical Year. Every seven years, all debts among the Israelites were to be canceled, and those who were indebted were given a fresh start. Canceling any loan, they may have made to a fellow Israelite could provide a kind of financial rest, and resetting of economic relationships. This principle of debt forgiveness demonstrates the Torah’s concern for social justice, righteousness, and the well-being of the community. The Torah never intended for there to be a caste system among the Israelites.

The shemitah highlights the divine intention for a society that transcends the constraints of financial burdens. It demonstrates the belief that our material possessions are ultimately gifts from HaShem, and therefore, we are responsible for sharing these blessings with others. We are reminded that wealth and material possessions are not the ultimate measure of a person’s worth. The Torah encourages us to prioritize compassion, empathy, and the alleviation of human suffering over economic gain. By forgiving and releasing others from their financial obligations, we acknowledge the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their economic status.

Furthermore, debt forgiveness promotes a sense of unity and solidarity within the community. It prevents the stratification of society into permanent classes of creditors and debtors, ensuring that no individual or group becomes trapped in a cycle of perpetual poverty. It fosters a society built on mutual support and collective responsibility, where everyone has an opportunity to thrive and contribute.

The underlying principles of the year of remission or shemitah remain relevant to us. Debt forgiveness challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward money, wealth, and our interactions with others. It calls us to examine our own lives and consider how we can extend kindness and generosity to those burdened by debt or financial hardship.

In a contemporary context, debt forgiveness can manifest in multiple ways. It may involve supporting organizations that provide microloans or financial aid to those in need. It might mean advocating for fair lending practices and working toward systemic changes that address the root causes of debt. The emphasis on social justice, compassion, equality, and communal solidarity can guide policymakers, lenders, and individuals in creating fair and ethical systems of debt management. They can implement measures that prioritize debt relief and teach financial empowerment to help alleviate the burden of indebtedness and foster a more just and equitable society. And on an individual level, it could involve offering practical assistance, guidance, or emotional support to those struggling with financial obligations.

However, a deeper spiritual meaning lies within the concept of debt forgiveness. Just as we are instructed to release financial obligations, we are also called to release emotional debts and grudges. The act of forgiving others and letting go of past grievances has transformative power on a personal and communal level. It frees us from the weight of resentment and allows us to cultivate a spirit of compassion, understanding, and unity.

In forgiving and releasing debt, we embrace the divine attribute of mercy and recognize that we are all interconnected. We acknowledge that we have all fallen short and made mistakes, and we extend grace to others as we hope to receive it ourselves. By doing so, we create a society that values forgiveness and fosters healing, promoting a culture of love, empathy, and reconciliation.

From the Torah’s perspective, the release of debt is not merely a legal provision but a reflection of profound moral and ethical values. The principles of social justice, compassion, equality, and communal solidarity embedded in the release of debt encourage individuals and communities to strive for a more equitable and compassionate society. By understanding and embracing these teachings, we can work toward creating systems that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals, fostering a healthier and more just society for generations to come.