Yovel: A World Recreated
The Sefer Hachinuch makes a fascinating comment about one who doesn't observe
the Yovel, or Jubilee cycle. He writes that one who fails to do so, undermines
the belief in the creation of the world, the underpinning of our very existence
on this Earth.
As such, there's something particularly unique to the observance of the
Yovel, the 50th year of a cycle that terminates the count of 7 Shemita
cycles, culminating in the 50th year. As we now approach the holiday
of Shavuot, we can see that there's unique significance to the number 50, a
number that signifies the culmination of a national aspiration to recognize Hashem's
presence in the world by recognizing on a more palpable level that Hashem
created the world. Were one to count the years from the beginning of time then
that would have far less significance – but when one has the ability to break
up time, he or she can revel in the accomplishments, achievements, and newfound
revelations made with its passage. And, in keeping with this concept, at the
end of the 50th year, all Jewish slaves are freed, all property is
returned to its rightful owner, and a quasi-primordial state is achieved where
everyone realizes that Hashem has created the world, adding a new level to the
simple observance of Shemita.
May we merit to realize this revelation, and profound understanding with
the coming of the Messiah, speedily in our days.
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