Greetings friends
I know many of you missed it, but there was a special holiday this week. No, not Mother’s Day – that is this weekend; no, not Father’s Day – that’s in a few weeks; no, not Victoria Day or Memorial Day.
It was Lag Ba’omer – which is now a National Day of Partying – for a day that means “33rd day of the Omer”.
Interestingly enough, because the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot – the time the Omer is counted – was viewed as a period of anticipation and sadness – and I’m not sure why it would be so sad given that it leads to celebrating the gift of the Law - no marriages are conducted during this time, except on that one day – lag ba’omer – considered a day of weddings; a day to celebrate love. I cannot tell you why, but take any day to celebrate love as a great day. In fact, make sure you celebrate love every day because even in your darkest times, love is there for you.
This great organic book we read cannot just be taken in its simple meaning – in fact - there is a belief that the Torah can, and should, and is to be interpreted on four levels, and sometimes five.
The first four levels are called PaRDeS, an acronym – for Pshat, Remez, Drush, and Sod.
Pshat is the most basic literal meaning of the Torah text. It is not necessarily identical to the apparent, plain meaning of the text but is an explanation of the text based on the tradition as it has been handed down in the Oral Torah (Mishnah and Talmud), following closely to the literal meaning. Most traditional Jewish editions of the Torah are published together with Rashi’s commentary, which is the classic example of Pshat exegesis, and if you go to synagogue and listen to the rabbi drone on, you get this.
The second level, called Remez, departs from the text's literal meaning in search of hints and allusions. Much of Torah is taught by allusion and parable. Linguistic analysis of the text and gematria are basic techniques of the Remez exegesis.
The third level, Drush, is the homiletic or moral or preachy exposition of the text. It includes moralistic homilies as well as derivation of legal rulings based on the text. It is typically found in aggadic and halakhic midrashim.
The fourth level, Sod, literally means secret. It involves esoteric interpretation of the scripture and is the subject of Kabbalah.
This week we are reading the last two parts of the book of the priests, and then we can get on with the story again about this wilderness generation – the only one of its kind in history.
This twin reading is a great example of those four levels of interpretation – from literal to allusion to moral to secret.
The two things I want you to notice are the concept of the Sabbatical Year and the year of Jubilee - We are currently in the year 5783 of the Jewish calendar. It happens to be the first year in the agricultural cycle, as last year was a sabbatical year.
According to the Bible, every seventh year (sabbatical year) in the Land of Israel is a shmita (“which means release”) when debts are canceled and fields lie fallow and ownerless. Promoting growth through most forms of plowing, planting, and pruning is forbidden, as are the usual methods of reaping and harvesting. Any previously planted vegetable, flower, or fruit that grows in the soil during the sabbatical year has a special sanctity. It must not be wasted or sold – it should be made available freely to anyone, in acknowledgement that the land is God’s, not ours.
The Bible promises a triple bounty in the sixth year of the agricultural cycle — enough for the sixth, seventh, and eighth years (first year of new cycle) until new crops can be planted and harvested, and we read this this week in Leviticus 25:20-23.
It is serious business to follow the shmita, and a lot of science has gone into it and something else – it is a sign of faith, my friends. And I only know a very few people with that level of faith.
The other concept we end this book with is the announcement of the jubilee year – every 50 years - Leviticus 25:10 -, And you shall consecrate the year that makes fifty years and proclaim liberty in the land, to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you. And you shall go back, each to his possession; and you shall go back, each to his family. To his ancestral holdings.
So important a concept it was carved on the liberty bell – the bell of freedom in Philadelphia P.A.
It is when all people shall be freed, all possessions returned, and all land given back to the families it was first allotted to.
Ultimate freedom: ultimate sharing and caring - we are only caretakers for this magnificent world. The year of jubilees is the true year of freedom - let’s hope it comes soon.
This episode will be posted on our channel - click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2023 cycle. And if you are one of the people this was sent to by a friend and want to receive it yourself, let me know, and I will add you to my mailing list.
Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, into your electronic devices, into your hearts – as you are all with me in mine –
Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions, and be good to yourself. Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life and do not give in to the fear which is so prevalent, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance – and as always - if you have any questions or suggestions or just want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
And remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you. And know - that I truly appreciate your sharing your sacred time with me.
Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and in doing, be safe, my friends, be happy, and may you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace and love and miracles and make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.
Continue celebrating love; continue celebrating freedom; send renewal and goodwill out to everyone in the world – it is an energy that cannot be stopped - and remember – your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star and continue to be a miracle in someone’s life, light the light of love, and feel free to join us for any of our virtual services.
Blessings
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