Around the Jewish Year

Parashat Bechukotai: Two Types of Ma'aserot in Jerusalem

Ahead of Jerusalem Day, we'll discuss ma'aserot brought to Jerusalem: ma'aser sheni and ma'aser behema, and find the difference between them. We will also...

The Bikkurim Festival at Agricultural Settlements in the Early Zionist Period

On the "bikkurim" festivities in the early Zionist period in kibbutzim and moshavim. When the farmers called fruit "bikkurim," did this confer to the fruit a...

Laws governing birkat ha'ilanot

Shevat at Torah VeHa'aretz Institute

Chanukah Lights with Shemitah Oil

Is it permissible to use shemitah oil for Chanukah lights? A review of the parameters of permitted benefit from Chanukah lights and the implications on using...

Pesticide Traces in Etrogim

Etrogim must be edible to be fit for use in the arba minim. Every year, the issue of pesticide traces arises, putting into question if it is, in fact, edible...

Arba Minim in the Eighth Year

How can we buy the arba minim on a year after shemitah? What should I do with an Etrog that has Kedusha? Rav Netanel Oyerbach answers

Grafted and Hybrid Etrogim

What is a grafted etrog? About the problem specifically in grafted etrogim, the rationale for the prohibition against kila'im, the definition of a pure etrog,...

The superiority of taking an Israeli etrog

Is it preferable to use an etrog that grew in Israel even though taking the arba minim isn't a land-dependent mitzvah?

Pesach: Oat and Rye Matzah

In recent years, bakeries started selling matzah from various types of flour, such as oats and rye. On wheat matzah vs. matzah from other grains: do they have...