I have to admit I am studying the Behar this week in New York because I heard Emor last Shabbat in Israel. So what's the difference? Listen to "Behar".

Our teachers taught us that Shabbat in the Exile is only as holy as a regular weekday in Israel. They also said Yom Kippur's holiness in the Exile is only as high as a regular Shabbat in Israel.

How can that be?

Well there is a surprise interpreting the Portion of Behar – RIGHT IN THE FIRST SENTENCE!

The Almighty says to Moses on Mount Sinai "Tell the Israelites – Daber Vuh-aMarta -

In NO UNCERTAIN TERMS - that when they come to the Land I give to you

THE LAND WILL "REST" A G-DLY SHABBAT (REST)!

Israel ITSELF will be a G-dly Shabbat!

Israel ITSELF proclaims Shabbat to the WORLD every day! If only they would get it!

May we all be connected to the Shabbat that is the seventh day, the seventh year –

And EXPERIENCE the HOLINESS  of the fiftieth year (YOVEL) – as the portion continues

"Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land" – THE LAND DECLARES THE SABBATH!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz