[The Shemitah (Sabbatical) year] teaches us further that the rich should not lord it over the poor. Accordingly, the Torah ordained that all should be equal during the seventh year, both the rich and the needy having access to the gardens and fields to eat their fill. [AJWS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Why do we have the Sabbatical year?
2. Is this equality of the 7th year permanent? Why is a temporary restoration of equality important?
3. What would a Sabbatical year look like in the world today?
Time Period: Modern (Spinoza through post-WWII)