Shabbat Parashat Eikev 5784

Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: Plowing to Prevent Loss during Shemitta – #260-264

Date and Place:  3 Shevat – 7 Shevat 5670 (1910), Yafo 

Recipient: Letters to Mr. Brill, a supervisor of moshavot at the International Colonization Association and to the Council of Ekron, where a minority of farmers wanted to keep Shemitta fully. [There was a dispute about the danger to the moshava if some fields were left fallow (it raised the possibility that local non-Jews might be able to claim the unworked fields). These letters deal with a halachic compromise to solve this problem.] 

Body: 1. To Mr. Brill.

I have the honor to inform you that I found out that even if those refraining from work (=refrainers) in Ekron will plow after all the farmers who are working the land (=workers) finish sowing, this will also prevent all possible damage. This is because throughout the time of sowing, no non-Jew will come to graze on the land, as people will always be around doing their work. According to Halacha, it is very proper that the plowing will be after the time of sowing. Therefore, I request of you to also agree to this, so that the workers will be certain that the refrainers will keep to what we have said and will plow right after the sowing to protect [the land].  

2. To the Council of Ekron

I am happy to explain to your honors that the refrainers’ time of plowing for protection will begin after the last workers will sow. We will gain by this that it will be clear that the plowing is not for cultivation, and it will be clear that there is a Sabbatical for the Holy Land. Regarding concern of damage, I rely, with Hashem’s help, that as long as people are in the fields, no non-Jew will decide to come there. I trust that you will keep all that I have said. He who chooses our Desired Land shall spread a canopy of His peace and decree His blessing on all that relates to you.  

3. To the Council of Ekron

I refer to the prevention of damage that is liable to come due to refraining from work, to protect workers from the loss of land. We have already discussed multiple times that it will be accomplished by plowing. I now inform you that I will be able to demand expenses of the plowing from the refrainers only once. Therefore, if workers will demand that the refrainers plow at the time that all are plowing, then if there will be a need for another plowing, the expenses will fall on the workers. It is a good idea for the workers to relent and have the plowing around a month later, so that one plowing will suffice for the necessary protection. Clearly, under no circumstances in the world will someone else be permitted to sow the refrainers’ fields.

I request extremely strongly that this will put an end to this dispute, which is causing me so much emotional pain. The Savior of Israel shall bless you with His goodness and peace on the holy soil. 

4. To the Council of Ekron

I hereby inform you that it is strictly forbidden to sow the refrainers’ land. Heaven forbid taking action in a field whose owners do not want to negate the sanctity of Shemitta by uprooting it [through sale]. Be careful not to bring "the sword that takes revenge for the covenant" (see Vayikra 26:25) on those who wantonly belittle the sanctity of Shemitta. Those who listen to me will dwell in tranquility without fear of bad things. [Rav Kook reviewed the matter of one payment for plowing.] A non-Jew will do the plowing in an unusual manner. I repeat my warning, invoking the strength of the holy Torah, as a strict prohibition and a rabbinic curse against anyone who dares to sow the refrainers’ fields in contradiction of my ruling. I trust the fineness of your spirits, dear brothers, that you will not violate what I have said and you will listen to the advice of your teacher, who loves you best and wants, with all of his heart and soul, your success and blessing in the Holy Land. 

5. [Rav Kook updated Mr. Brill on his communications with Ekron and asked him to confirm that this was also his organization's policy.]

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