This week we read double portion B’har-Bechukotai. We learn of the requirement of the Sabbatical year. Every seven years we are commanded to let the land rest. We are to not work on the land, and let its produce be free for the taking. After seven cycles of this Sabbatical year comes the Jubilee year, when we are commanded to again let work on the land cease, release our indentured servants, and return land to its original owners. We are commanded to take a break, and to restore some semblance of equity to society.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, in a past On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah podcast episode, compares this Jubilee year to a game of Monopoly. He says, “The jubilee year is like the end of a game of Monopoly. What happens? Well, somebody’s got all the hotels. Someone’s got all of the houses. Someone’s got most of the money. And normally, that person is feeling pretty good. But at the end of the game of Monopoly, we say, OK, let’s divide it back up. Take the hotels, take the houses off. Let’s redistribute. Let’s make everything even once again.” We are obligated to help create a just society. What is justice? Justice is making sure that the system allows for everyone to get what they need, when they need it, and not have to worry about what will happen to them after they get it.
The same goes for rest. Humans need rest. However, our society has come to put so much pressure on people in the workforce that we often don’t take the breaks we need, or think we deserve the breaks we need. As a people we are reminded that we need to make sure that not only the land gets rest, but we get rest from worry, pain, and work.
This obligation to rest isn’t just reserved for every seven or fifty years. We have a day of rest built in every week – Shabbat! Your rest doesn’t have to look like your neighbor’s. Maybe your neighbor’s idea of rest is going for a jog. Maybe your other neighbor’s idea of resting is refraining from the use of technology. Maybe your rest looks like cleaning, or reading, or vegging out and watching TV. No matter what your rest looks like, you should take it. We cannot live our lives always being “on”. There are times when our minds and our bodies desperately need rest. Whatever we are working toward can wait while we take the time to care for our bodies and spirits.
If anything, the past year has taught us the importance of taking a break. 2020 was an emotional rollercoaster and has been physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. We lived through historic event after historic event all while trying to continue on with our daily lives. If you’re feeling totally drained, just know you’re not alone.
And now, with vaccines being rolled out steadily in the US, we are starting to look towards the near future. As of May 1st, 31.2 percent of Americans have been fully vaccinated according to the CDC. This means that restrictions are starting to lift (if they haven’t already) and things may begin to return to some sort of normalcy. But not everyone might be comfortable with that.
It is important to listen to yourself during this time and really figure out where your comfort level is. Just because things are open and restrictions are lifting, doesn’t mean you have to change your behaviors. If you are more comfortable continuing to keep your mask on and limit your social outings, do it. If you are ready to get back to some sense of normalcy, do it (as long as you are still following guidelines and are being safe).
How does this connect to the portion and the Jubilee year? Well, it’s all about rest and taking care of yourself. Like we said, 2020 into 2021 has not been an easy year and we have been shouldering a lot of burden. We need to make sure we do things to take care of ourselves and recharge. For some, that may mean embracing being able to go out, see friends, and feel like things are back to normal. For others, it may mean continuing to follow safety precautions but also doing some of their favorite things (safely). It could even be both for some.
We encourage you to sit down and make a list of activities or experiences that make you the happiest and feel the most rested. Then, decide which of those you are most comfortable with /capable of doing in our current situation. Take this list out whenever you need a pick-me-up!
Don’t feel pressured to step out of your comfort zone too much in these upcoming months, as that could put additional stress and pressure on yourself (and no one wants that). Do what is best for you. Rest, recharge, and take care of yourself. You deserve it.
Until next time, wear a mask, wash your hands, and get vaccinated (if you can)!
Love,
Amanda & Marissa
P.S. Did you know that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week? It may be Thursday, but it is never too late to show a teacher how much you appreciate them. We dedicated a whole post to Teacher Appreciation Week last year called “For Our Teachers” and talked about the amazing teachers from Boy Meets World.
