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Why do people violate Shmitah laws even when financially provided for? The shiur develops the principle 'Adam l'amal yulad' - humans need meaningful work to feel fulfilled. During Shmitah, farmers must transition from physical labor to Torah (תורה) study as their primary 'work,' but those who haven't cultivated this skill feel psychologically compelled to return to forbidden activities.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question about the Shmitah year: why do people violate its laws even when they've been provided for in advance? Rashi (רש"י) explains that the Torah (תורה)'s curses come from not being 'amal b'Torah' (toiling in Torah), but the text also indicates that exile results from violating Shmitah. The speaker reconciles this apparent contradiction by exploring the deeper psychology of human motivation. The key insight centers on the Talmudic principle 'Adam l'amal yulad' - humans are born to work. The Gemara (גמרא) discusses three types of necessary labor: amal melacha (physical work), amal sichah (social interaction), and amal Torah (Torah study). These correspond to different aspects of human nature - the body needs physical work, the soul (nefesh) needs social connection, and the divine soul (neshamah) needs Torah study.
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Parshas Bechukosai
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