This discussion is about a lot more than Shemita; it has to do with our entire hashkafa (outlook on life). Some people and communities live by a philosophy that views the world as a dangerous place, full of potential pitfalls and stumbling blocks to be avoided, and do everything possible to stay safe by avoiding any possibility of sin. I understand that approach – but I reject it. Staying “safe” carries an even bigger risk – it means giving up many opportunities for spiritual accomplishment and growth.
Modern Shemita observance also raises another philosophical question: Are we meant to serve God primarily as individuals? Or as a nation?
Many people look at Shemita as an issue of kashrut. As God-fearing Jews, they try to only eat food that meets the “highest standard”.
While this may make sense for items such as meat or milk products, when it comes to Shemita the issue is significantly more complicated. This is because even many people who don’t rely on the Heter Mechira themselves will acknowledge that often, farmers have no other choice (see The Kosher Consumer’s Guide for explanation). I’ve heard people say things like: “If I was a farmer, I would almost certainly sell my fields to an Arab during Shemita. I don’t criticize them at all for doing so. But since I’m not a farmer and this doesn’t affect my livelihood, why should I rely on the leniency?”
There is, though, a big problem with that type of thinking. Is it fair to abandon those farmers, by buying from non-Jews this year? For the past six years, we ate the food they grew. Just because we have other jobs and the mitzva of Shemita falls primarily on their shoulders, does that mean we have no responsibility towards them? Does Shemita mean causing other people to lose money while we go about our business as usual?? Such an idea is quite far from the unity and equality the Torah wants to create this year!
This is even truer regarding those heroic farmers who take risks and sacrifice to observe Shemita without the heter mechira, by using expensive and risky methods like Otzar Bet Din and matza menutak. Especially for those who don’t want to rely on heter mechira, isn’t there an OBLIGATION to participate in the mitzva, by consuming this produce and helping cover the costs?
Shemita is not a mitzva for the individual; it is for the nation as a whole. Just because we aren’t the ones actually farming the land doesn’t exempt us from participating in the mitzva.
In my opinion, buying all of our vegetables from Arabs while letting the farmers absorb the losses is not an ideal way to observe Shemita. I certainly wouldn’t describe that as “Kosher LeMehadrin”.