![](/client-resources/clients/nefesh.org/users/SimchaFeuerman/vsh.jpg)
Our Gemara on Amud aleph discusses that the presumption of ownership established via occupation over three years must be consecutive, and not interrupted by any time of non-occupation.
Sefer Daf al Daf uses this idea to explain a verse more deeply. Regarding the obligations to tithe produce, the verse states (Devarim 14:28):
מקצה שלש שנים תוציא את־כל־מעשר תבואתך בשנה ההוא והנחת בשעריך
Every third year you shall bring out the full tithe of your yield of that year, but leave it within your settlements.
Rashi (ibid) wonders why does the Torah especially discuss tithing after the third year, when it is a mitzvah every year. Rashi says this adds an injunction not to delay it past the third year. Panim Yafos says additionally, since the sages have taught that if one repeats a sin, he rationalizes it and now considers it permitted (Kiddushin 20a), the Torah added an extra requirement not to delay past the third year, so as not to ingrain the habit of avoidance. I believe Panim Yafos also is alluding to the emotional process of chazakah, since occupation for three years creates presumption of ownership, not giving tithes for three years undermines the belief that the Land belongs to God and promotes arrogance and the illusion of human self-reliance.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
Do you like what you see? Please subscribe and also forward any articles you enjoy to your friends, (enemies too, why not?)