Julian Ungar-Sargon

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Daf Ditty

A wide-ranging commentary on the daily page of Talmud.

Sukkah 40: Lulav, Sh’viis and Eco-Theology

jyungar August 16, 2021

For the source text click/tap here: Sukkah 40

To download, click/tap here: PDF

Our Gemara continues discussing the rules of the Sabbatical year that were introduced by the last Mishnah (39a) in the context of purchasing an etrog during the shemitta year.

The Gemora had said that the Mishna didn't apply Shemittah rules to the lulav, since it was from the sixth year, implying that in principle Shemittah does apply to a lulav. The Gemora asks why it does, since it is not food, but simply wood, and the braisa says that if one gathered twigs and vines from the field on Shemittah, they only have the sanctity of Shemittah if he did so for animal feed, but not if he is using them as wood.

On our daf, we see the terrible consequences that befall one who trades commercially in the produce of shemittah. If it is not declared ownerless and open to the public, one may not use it. The Chazon Ish, zt”l, struggled mightily to halt the improper use of shemittah produce in Israel in modern times. We will address Rav look's approach elsewhere however we do explore the Arba' Minim in the context of an Eco-Theology proposed by Rabbi Dovid Seidenberg (my friend).

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Julian Ungar-Sargon

This is Julian Ungar-Sargon's personal website. It contains poems, essays, and podcasts for the spiritual seeker and interdisciplinary aficionado.​