In this week's Parsha Behar which we read in Israel the Torah commands us to keep the sabbatical year. Once every seven years we are to refrain from working the land in Israel. This commandment which is applicable in our times as well, serves as a major test for farmers and landowners. Although the masses aren't directly dependent or supported financially through agriculture anyone could imagine the faith and trust in G-d that would be needed for a person to leave their livelihood for an entire year. In the middle of the Parsha which commands these laws and restrictions the Torah also commands us against dealing dishonestly in our business transactions. R'Moshe Feinstien ZT'L commented that this unusual juxtaposition is actually very fitting. The command to observe the sabbatical year as we said tests a person's faith and trust in G-d that their entire sustenance and financial wellbeing are dependent on G-d. If a person understands that this is true then they will refrain from dishonest business dealings as well. They will realize anything that they steal or take from another person will not improve their lot as everything is determined from Above.

The following parable is told:

A thief pickpocketed a person in the street and stole from him $100. The next day the thief was walking down the stairs in his house, he fell and broke his leg. The thief went to the doctor who treated his leg, bandaged it and gave him medicine. The doctor then handed the thief a bill for $100. The thief exclaimed in joy that luckily he just stole $100 the day before otherwise he would not be able to pay for the Dr.'s bill. We all understand the foolishness of the thief's thinking.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath