The Prohibition of Chadash Today — A Brief Overview
According to data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, approximately 93% of the wheat consumed in the State of Israel is currently imported, while only about 7% is produced locally. To prevent the consumption of chadash (new grain forbidden before its permitted time), supervision is required for imported grain—both for direct consumption and for the production of grain products and alcoholic beverages.
A. Main Laws of Chadash[1]
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It is forbidden to eat from the five species of grain that took root before 16 Nisan, until 16 Nisan—the day the omer offering was brought (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot 10:2).
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In the absence of the Beit Hamikdash, it remains forbidden to consume new grain through the 16 Nisan; from the 17th of Nisan onward, the new grain becomes permitted.
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The prohibition of chadash applies biblically in all places—both in the Land of Israel and outside it—and at all times—independent of the Beit Hamikdash. It applies to all grain, whether grown by Jews or by non-Jews.[2]
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Any grain that took root before the day of the omer offering becomes permitted after that day. Grain that did not take root before that day—even if sown earlier—remains forbidden until after the day of the omer offering the following year (Rambam, ibid. 10:4).
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Grain harvested before 17 Nisan—and even grain already processed into food products—becomes permitted only on 17 Nisan (ibid. 10:5).
B. Current Situation in Israel
According to data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics,[3] approximately 93% of the wheat consumed in the State of Israel is currently imported, while only about 7% is produced locally. To prevent the consumption of chadash, supervision is required for both raw produce and for grain-based products imported into Israel, including baked goods and beer (which may also raise additional kosher concerns, such as issues of bishul nochri, foods cooked by non-Jews).
C. Practical Halachah
A product bearing kosher certification from a kashrut authority abroad is reviewed by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. If, upon inspection, the Rabbinate determines that the product is kosher and free of chadash concerns, it grants its approval.
In such a case, even if the label does not explicitly state “no concern of chadash,” the Rabbinate’s approval indicates that the product is kosher and does not contain chadash.
However, if a product bears a foreign kosher certification but does not state that it is approved by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, this indicates that the Rabbinate has not approved it—either due to concerns of chadash or other kashrut issues.
Notes
[1] This article is a summary of an article by Rabbi Yaakov Epstein, “The prohibition of chadash in Israel today: A Review,” Emunat Itecha 36 (5760), 48–51.
[2] Addition by Rabbi Bloom: The Bach is lenient for new grain grown by non-Jews, and most kashrut organizations outside of Israel rely on his ruling. In Israel, however, this opinion was not generally accepted; as a rule, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel does not certify chadash products.
[3] CBS, Yearly Statistics for Israel, 2024, Food Balance Sheet 2022 (Hebrew).
