Parshat Behar discusses the mitzvah of shmitta: the concept of letting the land of Israel lay fallow every seventh year in the shmitta cycle. For twelve months, Israeli farmers are on Sabbatical leave and can indulge themselves in purely spiritual pursuits. The Torah also discusses our obligations towards the poor and downtrodden. The most sublime form of charity is not expressed in gifts of money but by giving the needy the ability to be financially independent; i.e. providing them with a means of livelihood. Also discussed are the laws of interest and related financial transactions. We must be careful not to hurt our fellow man, not only in our financial dealings but also in the way we communicate and speak to each other in our daily lives. This week’s portion concludes with a reminder not to worship other deities and to observe the Shabbat.