36 Lessons
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.
Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli zt"l | Elul 25 5782
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?
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Elul 19 5782
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.
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 17 5782
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?
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 10 5782
Shemittas Kesafim
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 27 Av 5782
The Pot of Gold: Does Cannabis (Marijuana) Fall Under the Laws of Shmita?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Cheshvan 21 5782
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.
Rabbi Yoel Gold | Cheshvan 13 5782
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.
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 18 5781
Buying Land for Shemitta
A group provides the opportunity to buy agricultural land in Israel for the Shemitta year. Is that worthwhile?
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Elul 16 5781
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.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Elul 16 5781
The Heter Mechirah Controversy
What is heter mechirah? Is this any different from selling one’s Chometz for Pesach?
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 11 5781
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?
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Elul 9 5781
Halachic Shmita Guide from Eretz Hemdah
Do you have a garden? Let us help you to get ready!
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Elul 8 5781
What Is A "Prozbul?"
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Elul 2 5781
How will I Buy my Esrog this Year? (motzei shveet)
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 24 5775
Monetary Torah Laws at the Close of the Shmitta Year
What is shimittat ksafim, when does it apply and what is the pruzbul?
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Elul 13 5775
The Haredi Boycott of Heter Mechira Fruits is Unsustainable
The only logical explanation for the fierceness of haredi opposition to the heter mechira is that they associate it with Zionism
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Tamuz 8 5775
The History of the Heter Mechira
The heter mechira came about in the first shmitta year, 5649 (1888), after thousands of years in exile. Some opposing poskim changed their positions when they saw how urgent the situation was. Anti-Zionism caused more opposition.
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Tamuz 1 5775
"Do Not Give Them a Resting Place in the Land"
Does the biblical prohibition in the title of the article contradict the application of heter mechira (selling land temporarily to a non-Jew during the shmitta year).
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Sivan 10 5775