Shabbat Shavuot
Deut. 14:22-16:17
Precis: The reading for Shavuot when the second day falls on Shabbat begins with a discussion of tithes for grain, wine and oil. It continues with the commandment for “remission” of loans, and the commandment to open one's hand to help the poor. It also requires the release of one’s slaves, although if they refuse to leave, they may remain. The reading concludes with a recitation of the dates and customs regarding the three pilgrimage festivals.
Deut. 15:12 – “When your Hebrew brother or sister will be sold to you, then he shall work for six years, and in the seventh year you shall let him go, liberated from you.”
Richard Elliot Friedman notes in his Commentary on the Torah that the phrase “let him go” is the same term used for Pharaoh's release of the Israelite slaves, “let my people go.” The Israelites could do no less than Pharaoh, and should allow their slaves freedom without the coercion needed against Pharaoh. We might learn from this idea that at times we can observe improper behavior and instead of allowing it to be a model, it can be the opposite: when we hear lies, we can insist on the truth. When there is deception, we should strive for transparency. When there is hate, we should seek love.
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