Parashat Behar Sinai (בהר סיני – On Mount Sinai),
Leviticus 25:1-26:2
The parashah cites the laws of chemita (שמטה – remission, “fallow” ). That is to say that every seven years one should not take advantage of the land of Israel, nor cultivate it. The parashah also cites the laws of yôvēl (יובל – “jubilee). Every fifty years, alienated or pledged lands are freed, debts forgiven and slaves freed.
Pesach Chéni
A person who could not participate in the Passover sacrifice, can perform it a month later (14 Iyar), Numbers 9:5-14. Passover Sheni also gives rise to the celebration of Hilula1 of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, who died on 14 Iyar during the 2th century, while he was in exile. At his request, he was buried standing, in order to better welcome2 the Messiah during the resurrection of the dead. His name is mentioned frequently in the Mishnah and his wife Brouria3 is one of the few women mentioned in the Gemara.
It is traditional to light a candle, give Tzedakah and say 3 times:
.אלקא דמאיר ענני
Ela-ha deMeïr aneni
D. from Meir – answer me.
1 Jewish custom of visiting the tombs of the tzaddikim (righteous) on the anniversary of their death, and commemorating this death by means of a festive ceremony during which the pilgrims make prayers, read Psalms and other texts sacred or considered as such (such as the Zohar).
2 In a attitude of prayer (Amida).
3 Daughter of Rabbi Hanania ben Teradion, one of the “Ten Martyrs”, burned alive wrapped in a Sefer Torah by order of the Roman Emperor.