As darkness covers the world with hester ponim, with so many troubles and much pain besetting our people, and as Hashem's hand is even extended in wrath over the nations of the world, we must remember that disasters visit the world only because of, and to arouse, our People.
The mitzvah of Shmittah is a fundamental one in our faith, basic among the 613 ones declared at Sinai, and how stringent are even the fine particulars (avkoh) of the Seventh year. So much so that the Torah warned us that because of them the Jews were exiled from their homeland in order for the Land to be appeased of the violation of Shmittah during the years of its desolation, while our Redemption depends on the observance thereof, as is written that on the morrow of Shevi'is the son of Dovid [Moshiach] shall come.
Our very eyes see how throughout our Holy Land the observers of Shmittah have increased to hundreds and thousands [of people] who are properly abstaining from the respective work according to the Halacha in all of its fine points and particulars, a state which the Land has not merited since the days of the Churban.
But the heart throbs with pain at seeing that lack of funds [for shmittah support] has caused one hundred and fifty farmers, the mighty warriors of the King's legion, to defect from their resolve, with many others, pressured by the difficult financial test of economic survival, threatening to follow suit.
We therefore issue a call to focus attention in the coming Shabbosos upon this vital mitzvah and to make urgent appeals on behalf of the shomrei Shmittah through the Keren Hashevi'is, the trusted guardians of this mitzva, and call upon every one to do what he can to support them generously, and [we hope that] those who are already partners in their activities will increase their support in light of the urgent situation.
May the resting of the Land cause the wrath to be removed from Yisroel and hasten salvation and Redemption to the entire world. Surely those who give their support will see the realization of the Torah's guarantee, "I shall command My blessing," to merit their livelihood honorably and bountifully, with ease and expanse. And may they all be blessed with nachas from all their offspring, children and grandchildren, observant of Torah and mitzvos in purity, and may they be blessed with appropriate mates for their children through ease, with length of days and years, life and peace. AMEN SELAH.
A. L. Shteinman
Nissim Karelitz
Chaim Kanievsky
