What is a shmita year?
Originally an agricultural observance in Eretz Israel, the shmita year is a time of allowing fields to lay fallow. Sometimes referred to as “a Shabbat year for the land,” the cycle reoccurs every seven years. There are six years for cultivation and preparation, and in the seventh year, the land rests. Jews were not permitted to cultivate any crops and debts were forgiven. In our modern lives, we can embrace the rhythm of the shmita cycle and think about how to allow ourselves a break from the constant grind of work and productivity.
Explore resources for integrating the shmita year into your life below!
Find and connect with a Shmita Hive, a small group meeting once a month in your area or online to learn and discuss integrating the shmita year into their observance.
In Seattle, join the Shmita Project Northwest at Congregation Beth Shalom.
Sign up for Hazon’s Shmita Weekly newsletter.
