Shabbos at the Reichman's

I had lunch at the Reichman's today. It was wonderful! The table was full with guests, and the food was delicious. I believe that there were representatives from more than twelve U.S. States present. It was really amazing to see.

Rebbe spoke about Shmitta and Yovel through the lens of Individuality vs. Collective. Specifically, he noted the tension between the two, and asked: which does Judaism focus on? Rebbe, quoting the Shem Mishmuel then explained that Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus) was representative of the Collective, while Har Sinai (Mount Sinai- Revelation), was actually an Individualistic event. Yovel, and to a lesser extent, Shmittah, are times when the focus shifts from the Individual (ie- wealth gathering), to the Collective. Yovel allows the collective body to regain what is theirs, Smitta allows the same, and allows those who are less fortunate to partake. The answer is thus that Judaism focuses both on the needs of the Individual and the Collective.

We also spoke about the efficiency of the Yovel and Shmittah system. I asked Rebbe how the system made sense from an Economic standpoint. Rebbe pointed out that only loans which orginally were structured to come due during Shmitta would be cancelled, and that, as a result, smart lenders would schedule the repayment for the Eighth year. Thus, in Rebbe's view, the halacha of Shmitta results in a net gain for borrowers-- lenders will usually grant an extra year to avoid loan cancellation.

Lastly, I spoke with Rebbe about the events in China. I asked what our obligations were regarding the suffering there and in Tibet, Darfur, etc. Rebbe replied that Jews do have a duty to be the moral conscience of the world, and that we should use our power of influence and access to media to publicly come out against the forces which perpetuate this suffering. Further, we should urge our non-Jewish brethren to take action to help the suffering. We should do so, however, while still keeping our own Jewish communal needs paramount. Thus, allocation of resources should be considered carefully, and should usually weigh in favor of Jewish causes, while still working to end human suffering in the world at large.