HaRav Kanievsky's recommendation, expressed on Chol Hamoed in the context of the public event of Paying Homage to our Rabbonim during Yom Tov which took place on Wednesday in front of his home, aroused a tremendous response to join the study of two Halochos in the Rambam's Laws of Shmittah and Yovel, in the hope that truly "[those who] study the Rambam's Laws of Shechita and Yovel daily will be spared from all tribulation."
His esteemed son, HaRav Yitzchok Shaul Kanievsky, conveyed the message as follows:
"Succos is the season of our rejoicing, as is written, `And you shall rejoice before Hashem your G-d for seven days.' The Torah has commanded us to observe the mitzvah [of Succos] through joy, for this is a supreme way to fulfill all of the mitzvos. The Mishna Berurah (at the end of the laws of lulav) notes in the name of the Arizal that the exalted level which he arrived at was because he kept all of the mitzvos through joy. It is also attested to by the Gaon himself, who said that he danced before the Sefer Torah with all his might.
"The Tosafos in Succah (beginning of Perek Hechalil) say that during the Simchas Beis Hashoeva, they used to draw up ruach hakodesh. The prophet Yonah ben Amitai merited prophecy at this occasion since the Shechina can only reside through the joy of a keeping a mitzvah.
"Thus, even though we are undergoing a very difficult period, we must fortify ourselves mightily through the joy of mitzvah observance.
"We have now begun the sixth year, the year preceding the Shmittah, during which we are obligated to occupy ourselves with the appropriate laws. I suggest the daily study of two halochos in the Rambam's "Laws of Shmittah and Yovel." This shall be a great segulah to be spared from all troubles and will also speed up the Geula.
"The Chazon Ish quoted: `It is said that [Moshiach] ben David will come on the wake of Shmittah.' This means that if Shmittah is observed, and its laws studied accordingly on how to keep it, we shall merit the realization of that Heavenly echo issuing on motzei Yom Kippur announcing: Go, eat your bread amidst joy and drink your wine with a happy heart for Hashem has already desired [been appeased by] your deeds."
A heightened interest has followed, as masses of Jews are continually joining the program of study of two halochos daily with the purpose of completing all of the pertaining laws of Shmittah and Yovel after four months, hoping for the realization of HaRav Chaim's blessing that "they will be spared from all troubles."
A new publication has seen print, "Siach Emunah", compiled by HaRav Yitzchok Shaul Kanievsky, drawing upon his father's Derech Emunah. The commentary up to the end of the fourth perek of the Rambam on the laws of Shmittah and Yovel is being completed and a pamphlet can be obtained through shmita782@gmail.com.
Special shiurim accompanying the daily study of the Rambam are being delivered by the rabbonim of the Beis Medrash leHalacha BeHityashvut, "Emunas Ish", headed by HaRav Yosef Efrati, which can be obtained through the info line, 7@bhl.org.il/ They can also be heard by phone number 02-966 9677.
To see the schedule for the daily learning click here.
