Accepting Hashem’s Kingdom

Aroch Siach, Yamim Noraim, an address from 5714 (1953)

Chazal set a role for all of the special days. We should clarify to what extent the days fulfill their roles, including their special place within the year.

Does Pruzbol Ruin the Ability to Fulfill Shemittat Kesafim?

Why can’t the prz apply to everything, and I still fulfill the mitzva by voluntarily waiving my right to payment of the loan of my choice?

Pruzbul

The mitzvah of Shemittas Kesafim comes into effect this year immediately before Rosh Hashanah. This law cancels all debts that someone is owed, meaning that the creditor cannot force collection.

Otzar Bais Din or Heter Otzar Beis Din

An Otzar Beis Din is literally ‘a storehouse operated by Beis Din.’ Why would Beis Din operate a warehouse?

Shemittas Kesafim

Separating Terumah and Maaser

I have been looking for a specialty shampoo that contains oat bran. Someone found it in a very expensive store, and it does exactly what I want. One day, after showering, I noticed the label says that it is made in Israel! Does this mean that it is prohibited as Tevel?

Giving Away Orla Fruit

I have a tree in its second year, so that its fruit is orla. Can I suggest to my non-Jewish worker to take it?

The Pot of Gold: Does Cannabis (Marijuana) Fall Under the Laws of Shmita?

Saved By Shmitah

13 Hamas terrorists never expected that their plans to attack and kill Jews would be exposed & ruined by the mitzvah of Shmitah. Watch to find out how Hashem’s promise to bless those who keep the mitzvah unfolded near the Gaza border just seven years ago.

A Shmittah Glossary

Most chutz la’aretz residents are not that familiar with the laws of shmittah that will affect those who live in Eretz Yisroel every day next year. Actually, the laws can and do affect people living in chutz la’aretz also.

Buying Land for Shemitta

A group provides the opportunity to buy agricultural land in Israel for the Shemitta year. Is that worthwhile?

Shmitta- A Concise Review Of All the Practical Laws For Your Kitchen and Yard

With our recent return to the Land of Israel, Shmitta has once again returned to the agenda of being a practical mitzva! The many laws & practical applications practiced every 7th year, as well as the many different approaches, can be confusing, especially for those of us who did not grow up in Israel. This "crash course" comes to remind the forgotten & simplify an entire year of additional mitzvot and halachot regarding almost everything that we will eat, in an easy & understandable way, focusing on the consumer's guide to how to buy and run a Shmitta-kosher kitchen, and what is or isn't allowed in our backyard & flower-pots. Please pass this link on to your friends who may be in need of this neatly-packaged summary & review.

The Heter Mechirah Controversy

What is heter mechirah? Is this any different from selling one’s Chometz for Pesach?

Air Conditioner Drain Pipe during Shemitta

In preparation for the upcoming Shemitta year, should I reroute my air conditioner drain pipe so that it does not drip in an area around vegetation?

Halachic Shmita Guide from Eretz Hemdah

Do you have a garden? Let us help you to get ready!

What Is A "Prozbul?"

What is a Tree?

Eggplants grow on a woody stem. Does this make the eggplant a tree and prohibit the fruit that grows during its first three years as orlah or not? What is the correct beracha to recite when smelling carnations, lilies, or mint? What is the correct beracha to recite before eating papaya, cane sugar, or raspberries? May someone plant tomatoes in his vineyard in Eretz Yisroel?

More on Orlah

I transplanted a cherry tree in order to sell the wood I see that many cherries have grown on the tree. Are they prohibited as orlah? A sabra tree plantad as a natural border fence for his property, and placed a sign telling people not to help themselves to the fruit. Is there an orlah prohibition on the fruit? If I plant trees for wood, do I need to keep track of which year I plant the tree, due to orlah concerns?

More on Bikkurim

Bringing Bikkurim