Torah Portion Behar-Bechukotai in a Nutshell
- Name: Behar-Bechukotai
- Reading: Behar: Leviticus 25:1-26:2; Bechukotai: Leviticus 26:3-27:34
- Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14
- Double Parsha!
Parashat Behar-Bechukotai Summary
Shmitta and Yovel
God speaks to Moses from Mount Sinai. He tells him to command the Israelites that when they arrive in Israel, the land must keep a Sabbath. They may work the land for six years, and in the seventh they must let it rest and may not harvest what it produces. He will provide more in the sixth year to last through the seventh and eighth.
Every 49 years, on the seventh day of the tenth month, they must sound the shofar and declare the fiftieth year a jubilee. In that year, they may not reap or sow or harvest. All property must be returned. You must not wrong one another, and you will have enough to dwell safely in the land. Land that was sold to alleviate poverty will be returned to the original owner. There are special ownership laws for homes which apply to all but the Levites.
Caring for Family
If your brother has become poor, uphold him and let him live with you. Do not charge him for the things he needs. If he sells his services to alleviate his poverty, treat him like a hired servant and not a slave, and in the jubilee, he will be free and return to his won property. If he sells his services to another, you must redeem him.
Obey My Commands
Do not make idols or worship objects. Keep my Sabbath for I am the Lord. If you obey and perform my commands, then I will give you the rains in their seasons and your grain will grow and last. I will give you peace in my land and protect you from animals and war. You will overcome your enemies and I will make you fruitful. Your grain will last, and I will walk with you and set my sanctuary among you.
But if you do not listen to me I will set evil and sickness above you. You will be punished seven-fold for your sins. The land will not bear produce and animals will attack you and rob you of your children. The sword will smite you and you will eat without satisfaction. If you continue to abhor my commands, you will eat your children’s flesh. I will destroy your lands and scatter your people and you will be punished for your iniquity.
God lists the value of different people when they need redemption. The priests will value people, and animals for the sacrifices.
