Parashat Behar - Second Aliyah
Read the biblical text and try to understand it on your own, before reading the commentary.
After the Torah opened with Shemitah and Jubilee, it moves to the details of land commerce. These are not dry regulations, but a clear directive: every transaction between people must be conducted with integrity, with the understanding that the land is not property forever.
A sale that is not permanent. “Vekhi timkeru mimkar la’amitekha o kanoh miyad amitekha al tonu ish et achiv” (verse 14). The sale here is of a field, of property, but unlike what we are accustomed to, this is a temporary sale only. Until the Jubilee, the property will be returned to its original owner. This is not a standard real estate transaction, but a lease of years of use on the land.
The price is set by time. “Bemispar shenei tevu’ot yimkar lakh” (verse 15). You are not buying the land itself, but the number of harvests until the Jubilee. If many years remain, you pay more. If few, you pay less. “Lefi rov hashanim tarbeh mikhnato ulefi me’ot hashanim tam’it mikhnato” (verse 16). Economic transparency established in the Torah thousands of years ago.
Integrity in commerce, not just ethics. “Velo tonu ish et amito veyareta me’Elohekha” (verse 17). The Torah adds the fear of God alongside the business prohibition. The Sages taught (Pirkei Avot 2:1): Know what is above you - a seeing eye and a hearing ear. Even when the other party does not realize they have been wronged, the One above understands. The word “amito” (his fellow) emphasizes: this is an internal partnership within the nation. Among brothers, there is no deceit.
Security in the land depends on justice. “Va’asitem et chukotai ve’et mishpatai tishmeru va’asitem otam vishavtem al ha’aretz lavetach” (verse 18). The national security of the people of Israel depends on upholding social justice. Not walls that protect, but observing Shemitah, refraining from exploitation, and conducting fair commerce. When these laws are fulfilled, dwelling in the land is secure.