Introduction

In this study I would like to examine the organization and the rules for the Shmita cycle. The Hebrew word Shmita - שמיטה, literally release, is translated as Sabbatical. The Sabbatical cycle is a cycle of seven years, which HaShem commanded His people to observe. Additionally, I would like to examine the relationship between the Shmita cycle for maaser[1] and release as it is reflected in the ancient synagogue Torah reading cycle.

Every Sabbath, Jews all over the world will read a portion of the Torah and the Prophets as part of the normal synagogue service. Today, most Orthodox synagogues read a portion of the Torah, usually around five chapters, from a lectionary known as the Annual Torah reading. During Temple times, however, most Orthodox Jews read through the Torah twice in seven years. The portion read on Shabbat, for this seven year cycle, is about a chapter in length. I will refer to this seven year Torah cycle as the Septennial[2]