Aliya Summary: The Torah prescribes the redemption process for a Jew
sold into slavery to a non-Jewish master. The same formula described
earlier (Fourth Aliya) is employed. Either the slave himself or one of
his relatives refunds the master the amount of money that corresponds to
the years remaining until the Jubilee -- when the slave will go free
even if he had not been "redeemed." The Aliya concludes with a brief
mention of the prohibition against idolatry, and the requirement that we
observe the Shabbat and revere the Holy Sanctuary.
Rashi
explains the insertion the prohibition against idolatry: When exposed
to owners/people with different ideals, the slave might be temped to act
like them, and if they don't keep Shabbat, maybe he would follow. If
they served idols, perhaps he would too. The placement is therefore a
warning to be weary of our surroundings and negative influences, both
blatant and subtle.
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