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Why does violating shmita laws specifically indicate having an "ayin ra" (evil eye)? The shiur contrasts Yaakov's "I have everything I need" with Esau's "I have more than I need" - wanting things because they exist versus because they enhance life. Shmita reveals pure selfishness since God already compensated landowners with triple crops, making refusal to share with the poor a matter of control rather than loss.
Rabbi Zweig begins by examining why the Midrash specifically identifies violation of shmita laws as evidence of having an "ayin ra" (evil eye) - being obsessed with money. He poses three central questions: Why is this particular transgression singled out as demonstrating a "bad eye" more than other forms of stinginess? Why did the Jewish people historically struggle with shmita observance when God promises to provide three years' worth of crops in the sixth year, making it seemingly easy to observe? What does the Midrash mean when it says one either merits "the hunger of Yaakov" or suffers "the satisfaction of Esav"? The core distinction emerges through the contrast between Yaakov and Esau's attitudes toward wealth. When they meet, Yaakov says "yesh li kol" (I have everything I need) while Esau says "yesh li rov" (I have more than I need). Rabbi Zweig explains that Yaakov represents wanting things that enhance one's life and meet genuine needs - even if those needs include high standards of living and security. Esau represents wanting things simply because they exist, regardless of whether they provide any benefit.
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Parshas Behar - Shmita laws
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Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
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Why were Jews exiled for violating Shmitah when Hashem promised triple harvests in the sixth year? The issue wasn't working during the seventh year but begrudging others the right to take freely from their fields. This reflects the deeper challenge of transforming from individual competitors to seeing ourselves as parts of the collective Jewish people - a perspective shift essential for receiving Torah and meriting the Land of Israel.
