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?

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.

The Heter Mechirah Controversy

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

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

Maaser Sheini

The laws of Chodosh

Separating Challah

How will I Buy my Esrog this Year? (motzei shveet)

This is the Way We Bake Our Bread!

Some Practical Questions about Hilchos Challah

A Shemittah Glossary

Growing Vegetables in Thin Air

A Shemittah Glossary

“What is the difference between shemittah and shevi’is?” “What are sefichin?” “I consider myself fairly well-educated, which may be a mistake. But I recently heard a term that I never heard before: heter otzar beis din. What does this term mean?” A review of key halachos of The Shmita year.

Shemittah revisited

The laws of Shmita - the seventh year in Israel and over seas

The Fruits of the Fourth Year

What are the laws related to fruit growin on a tree in its fourth year?