Halachic Guides

Herb classification as tree or vegetable for kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem

A comprehensive list of common herbs with English, Hebrew, and Latin names, categorizing them as trees or vegetables, to avoid the prohibitions of kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem (interplanting with annuals and vineyards). Since there are different halachic guidelines for vegetables and trees, this is a valuable reference.

Kilei Ilan (grafting): scion and rootstock combinations for trees and vegetables

Laws of kilei ilan (grafting): permitted and prohibited scion and rootstock combinations for fruit trees, citrus trees, ornamental trees, and vegetables (update: Tevet 5785-January 2025).

Shehechiyanu on new fruit today

This article reviews methods that make fruits and vegetables accessible year-round, and discusses how they impact on making the shehechiyanu blessing today.

Kilayim: Forbidden Mixtures

An abridged guide on the laws of kilayim, forbidden mixtures: kilei zera'im (interplanting seeds), kilei ilan (trees), and kilei kerem (vineyards). The parameters of each prohibition, the distance needed between types of seeds, and the application of kila'im outside of the Land of Israel, among others.

Pesach: Guidelines for Feeding Animals

What do we do about pet food on Pesach? Does it need a hechsher? What about farmers? Comprehensive halachic guidelines on feeding animals during Pesach.

Shehechiyanu: practical information

In today’s age, the concept of “seasonal fruit” is constantly changing. This article features a list of more than 100 common and rare fruits and vegetables and notes each one's halachic status. The list is current as of Tammuz 5778.

Blooming Season for the Different Fruit and Harvest Time of Vegetables - 5785: Ma’aser Ani Calendars

When exactly is each type of produce subject to ma’aser ani? What are the blooming seasons, standard harvest datesand standard storage times for fruits and vegetables in israel today? An halachic-agricultural survey for 5785 to 5786

What do we do today with terumot and ma'aserot in Israel: a brief overview

How do we take terumot and ma'aserot today and actually give them to their intended destinations in a feasible and halachically optimal manner? Feeding terumah to zoo animals, lighting Shabbat candles with terumah oil, contracts with a levite, and more.

Netilat Lulav

Netilat lulav and etrog, nusach Sephard and Ashkenaz.

The arba minim through the lens of the land-dependent mitzvot: what to look out for when selecting your arba minim

Planning on buying a set of arba minim? Rabbi Ehud Achituv of Torah VeHa'aretz Institute sets things straight: what to look for when selecting your lulav, etrog, hadasim, and aravot.