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Why does the Mishna teach that selling seventh-year produce brings plague to the world, not just the individual violator? The root is "ra ayin" - begrudging others' success, which money obsession inevitably creates. Even with triple divine provision, those who commercialize Shemitah produce reveal they cannot bear others benefiting freely, poisoning society's fabric and making harmonious relationships impossible.
This profound shiur examines a puzzling Mishna that states selling produce of the seventh year (peiros Sheviis) - seemingly a minor violation of a positive commandment - brings dever (plague) to the world. Rabbi Zweig questions why such a relatively minor transgression would cause death, and why the language suggests the plague affects the entire world rather than just the individual violator. The analysis begins with the context of Shemitah: Hashem (ה׳) provides a special blessing in the sixth year that produces enough crops for three years - the sixth, seventh, and eighth years. This advance payment should eliminate any financial pressure to commercialize seventh-year produce. Yet some people still choose to sell these fruits rather than leave them for the poor, revealing a deeper character flaw.
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Pirkei Avos 2:9-10
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