Let’s Take a Break – Shmita as an Educational Opportunity

What does a rational, diligent and proactive person, who also religiously observant, do? The Shmita year met Baron Rothschild at a critical point during the process of building, establishing and educating the Jewish settlement. How did he solve the conflict and what can we learn from the intersection of intensive work and the Shmita year?

During the first Shmita year in the Land of Israel during the rebirth of Jewish settlement (1889), Baron Rothschild faced a great dilemma – on one hand as a religiously observant man the Shmita year had value for him but on the other hand this was a period of establishment, a sensitive period of training new branches of agriculture. Keeping Shmita could have caused a real economic crisis for the developing Jewish settlement. This dilemma led Baron Rothschild to approach rabbis in the Land of Israel and around the world.

The long-awaited solution came in the form of ‘Heter Mechira’ – a halachic solution that allows symbolic selling of the land to a non-Jewish party for the duration of the year and thus the continuity of agricultural work is ensured.

Today, when the Shmita year does not pose a threat but rather an

opportunity, Ramat Hanadiv decided to return to that same point and this year choose to observe Shmita. Observing Shmita creates an educational opportunity: an opportunity to work on the facets of our Jewish, Israeli identity, an opportunity to emphasise the connection between humans and the land, an opportunity to stop and observe, to make new plans and to rest.

In the lead-up to the Shmita year, Ramat Hanadiv defined three guiding principles, as part of the visitor experience this year.

Observing Shmita creates an educational opportunity: an opportunity to work on the facets of our Jewish, Israeli identity, an opportunity to emphasise the connection between humans and the land, an opportunity to stop and observe, to make new plans and to rest.

A year of observation, thought and renewal

When our regular routine stops or changes, as experienced around the world over the past year, we gain an opportunity for observation and re-examination. To observe what’s around us now and think what and how we want it to be in the future. To examine whether we take for granted what we have already. Are we aware of processes of change in the environment and in society? Maybe we can even think what it is about our regular conduct as individuals and as a society that we would like to change for the future. This examination can generate personal, organisational or community renewal. Refreshing our routine provides a space for creativity and an opportunity for innovation.

A year of appreciation for nature

The last year taught us that the hundred metres around our home can become an entire world. We rediscovered the wildflowers and nature next to our homes and the changes of the days and seasons. We experienced how essential they are to us; the experience of being outside became a yearning and proximity to nature became the most effective relaxation pill. We learned to appreciate nature and now we must learn how to protect it.

A year of more for less

This year we stopped flying, we travelled less, and we understood the importance of local providers and innovators and the importance of the local community for them. Without noticing, we reduced our ecological footprint and improved the environmental state of the earth. On the other hand, long days spent at home led to an increase in household consumption and online shopping doubled and tripled itself.

Did you like it? Join our free mailing list to receive monthly news and updates about activities for the whole family. Register here.

Any question? We will be glad to help