Torah For Today

(scenarios) What would you do?

1. In the news we read a lot about something called “student debt”. Many people, when they go to college, take out loans to pay for expenses, like tuition or rent. When they are done, they have a hard time paying these loans back. What do you think should happen to them?
2. Think about the rules regarding letting the land rest every 7 years. How do you think you can connect this idea to the dangers of climate change and ecological damage?
3. You want to buy a new shirt or top. You know that there are a couple of stores in the mall that sells the same one. You want to compare prices. Do you think it is right to lead a sales clerk on by giving them the impression that they are going to “make a sale” when you have no intention of buying the item from him or her?

PERSONAL CONNECTION:

What Does This Parshah Mean to Me?

1. Why do you think it is important to let the earth rest?
2. How is the idea of the Sabbatical year like Shabbat?
3. What do you think it means that the land is returned to its original owner? In the end, who do you think really “owns” the land?
4. How do you think this idea of the Sabbatical year effects poor people? Do you think it is fair?