Halachic Guides

Shemitah, Introduction#1: Shemitah—a National Mitzvah

Shemitah as a national mitzvah as well as a mitzvah for the individual. What is a hidur mitzvah as a consumer during Shemitah?

Shemitah, Chapter 29: Hakhel

On the mitzvah of hakhel, which takes place during the Sukkot following the shemitah year. How do we remember this mitzvah today?

Shemitah, Chapter 28: Debt Cancelation and Prozbul

On the ins and outs of debt cancellation at the end of the shemitah year. Who needs to sign a prozbul? Which debts aren't cancelled? How can I sign a prozbul and also fulfil the mitzvah of cancelling debts?

Shemitah, Chapter 26: Bi'ur and Viduy Ma'aserot

What is involved in the mitzvah of bi'ur ma'aserot? Can we perform viduy ma'aserot today? On two unique mitzvot that occur twice during the shemitah cycle.

Shemitah, Chapter 25: Practical Laws of Bi'ur

How do we perform the mitzvah of bi'ur today? What do I do if I forgot to do bi'ur on time? On the procedure for rendering crops ownerless and related bi'ur laws.

Shemitah, Chapter 24: Halachic Principles of Bi'ur for Shemitah Produce

What is the obligation of bi'ur and how is the bi'ur time determined for different types of produce?

Shemitah, Chapter 21: Additional Uses for Shemitah Fruit

Besides eating, how else may shemitah produce be used: on lighting candles, detergent, medicine, vitamins, paint, cosmetics, and more.

Shemitah, Chapter 20: Handling Shemitah Food in the Public Kitchen

Guidelines for the public kitchen (based on Chapter 19 with several differences). What should the owner of a wedding hall do if shemitah fruits and vegetables are also being served?

Shemitah, Chapter 19: Handling Leftovers

What do we do with sacred scraps? Can we feed them to animals? Use them for compost? On properly handling leftovers with shemitah sanctity.

Shemitah, Chapter 18: Laws of Hefsed – Causing Shemitah Produce to Spoil

Laws of hefsed, avoiding actions that cause shemitah produce to be destroyed, spoiled, or reduced in volume, and on properly discarding leftovers and peels. Can we peel vegetables with edible peels? Can we feed a baby shemitah fruit?