Leviticus 25:1 – 26:2
The laws of the Sabbatical Year which occurred the seventh of seven year cycles – the fiftieth year. Seven being a significant number in Jewish history with seven leaders of the generations of mankind starting with Adam, seven great forefathers starting with Abraham, the week divided into seven parts and some say even the Torah is divided into seven sections. 7 is said to symbolize the spiritual goal of the group. The “sh’mitta” of this Sabbatical Jubilee Year “yovail” is brought in with the blowing of the shofar seen here. One’s land is to lie fallow that year and nothing is picked like one’s grapes. Also in this parsha are laws regarding living in cities and sale of property (note the towers in the upper left – this painting was done after 9/11); and also in this parsha are the obligations to help the needy and how to treat one’s servants.
