ABSTRACT לקוטי שיחות
One must observe all details (finite), yet infuse each Mitzvah with bitul to divest from the physical (infinite). Self-elevation rooted in holiness; one becomes a vessel for Torah by bitul.
בהר סיני
(א) Mitzvah of Shmitah from Har Sinai (lowest mountain) expresses the essence of all Mitzvos combining opposites of elevation and humility.
(טז) Rabbi Yosef (called Sinai) says he is humble; true humility means being aware of one’s own qualities, yet in total self-negation.
(יח) Har Sinai as the lowliest of mountains shows no ulterior motive, a proper place for Torah.
שבת לה '
The seventh (year or day of the week) precedes and influences the six (years or days) that follow (especially concerning women).
From the seventh we (especially women) take the ability to affect the light of Chassidus to Jews.
נשך
Taking G-d as a Partner. For a person observing this prohibition, G-d not only endows the potential, but remains an active partner. When a person lends with interest, one wants to make money without effort, like a gift. In G-d’s preferred system, physical and even spiritual “revenue” must be earned by striving and exceeds the value of a “free gift”.
לכל ישביה
Status of Shmitah is affected by Yovel – three historical periods (see chart below). Shmitah – בטול היש – Kabolas Ol. Yovel – בטול במציאות – free from limitations.
אני ה '
G-d rewards from His Essence thus can reach to a Jew even very low. Why would one think someone sold to a non-Jew could transgress idol worship, illicit relationships and Shabbos?
*שבת לה '
Shabbos affects all one’s actions (even physical) to be holy; Shmitah affects every day even to the level of “earth” (physicality). Learn from Shabbos Bereshis to Shmitah that one must take to heart a belief in HaShem as the creator and director of the world.
אל תקח מאתו
Three laws in Ribis:
To a Jew – Assur to lend with Ribis
To a Ger Toshev – permitted
To a non-Jew – Mitzvah to take Ribis
בהר סיני *
Rabbi Yishmael – general principles given at Sinai with specifics provided in context of orderly service of the sanctuary- service of the Tzadik. Rabbi Akiva – general and specifics given at Sinai – transcending orderly progression – service of the Baal Teshuvah.
