An atmosphere of excited, emotional anticipation pervaded the massive assembly gathered to discuss the issue of the upcoming shmittah year, which was headed by numerous gedolei Yisroel to bolster the spirit of those farmers who are committed to keeping the shmittah year in all its halachic stringencies. Activity is in full swing by the two organizations, Ayelet Hashachar and Keren Hashviis among those who toil in the fields, literally, and avreichim, to help them in learning the pertinent halachos in order to implement them, as well as to persuade others to keep the shmittah accordingly.
HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman stressed this in his keynote address at this assembly, saying, "Those who assist the farmers by teaching them the halachos and drawing them closer to full practice, gain an inconceivable merit. One who is able to keep this precious mitzvah should surely feel a tremendous sense of joy therein."
In the week following that rally, many volunteers came forward to offer their services in actively promoting shmittah observance and attending a series of shiurim guiding and directing them in going out to the people to urge those who are vacillating to commit themselves to keeping this mitzvah properly.
The preparatory courses will teach the practical halachos to be imparted to the farmers who will be joined to the roster of chavrusa telephone partners through Ayelet Hashachar to keep up an ongoing contact and support to those who will actually be implementing the shmittah laws in the fields.
