Kindness Hacks from Reeh

Shmitta year – a year rich with change. Farmers who worked tirelessly on their fields, do not touch their land. Debts owed, are cancelled. Slaves, are freed, and showered with gifts.

It would be easy for the vacationing farmers to claim that it’s their year off. A year off means a year off from giving charity too. To assume that this isn‘t expected when not earning.

However, the Torah teaches otherwise, and warns us against this kind of thinking. Even during a difficult financial period such as the Shemitta year a Jew must still give charity.

‘...you Should not harden your heart nor shut you hand from your poor …' (15:7)

There is never a time to forget about the poor.

It’s easy to excuse ourselves from helping others during difficult times, but on the contrary, it is exactly these times where so many people need the help!

A relevant message for us today as we go through huge financial and economical challenges. A struggle for so many people. But this is a stark reminder that although of course we need to protect ourselves, at the same time we must not forget those who are worse off.

Hard times, should not turn cause us to harden our hearts.

Shabbat Shalom!