יום א Date: 21 Av, 5774 (8/17/14) – MoedKatan#6 {Eliezer}

POWERFUL THOUGHTS

[6b middle] Rashi (following R’ Elazar ben Yaakov): One cannot water a field on Shemittah itself to benefit from the produce during that prohibited year (but watering now for after Shemittah would be permitted). R’ Kessler quoting R’ Moshe Feinstein: Two same acts of watering during a same specific time can be viewed as permitted and prohibited. When one act is not done for the sake of immediate benefit (during the Shemittah year) it is viewed Halachically as a non-productive act (just as non-prohibitive as watering a dessert).

E’s Lesson: Intention defines Halachik status. We have already learned regarding Shabbos that a prohibited act done with an alternative purpose loses its Biblical (and sometimes even Rabbinical) prohibition. We must always act in proper manners and keep our thoughts in line with G-d’s commands. Our thoughts lead and control our actions and we should remember that our minds are in our control.