The Torah portion B'har has two main themes: the Sabbath of the Land, and ethical balances to free-market dangers. The Sabbath of the Land, called shemitah, occurs once every seven years; the land lies fallow as an acknowledgment of God as the Creator. Every seven cycles of seven years, there is a "Jubilee" year, called yovel, in which slaves go free, certain debts are canceled, and land returns to its original titleholders.

Further laws are given pertaining to debts and property: one must help people avoid debt-servitude, and one must help people to avoid losing their property. Interest and oppressive financial practices are prohibited. The parsha ends with a general reminder to keep God's laws, especially the Sabbath and the prohibition on idolatry.

"If your brother falls low, and his hand falters beside you, then you shall strengthen him-sojourner or resident-and he will live with you." (Leviticus 25:35)

If you see someone falling into poverty or getting into trouble, you must help him, even to the extent of taking him into your home. The commandment starts with the terminology of "your brother," (i.e., a fellow Israelite, or perhaps someone from your tribe or clan) but in the end seems to imply that we must 

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