Halachic Guides

Shemitah, Chapter 14: Otzar Ha'aretz – the Optimal Way to Observe the Shemitah Year

What produce is sold at Otzar Ha'aretz stores? How does the distribution system work and what are the special guidelines that apply to each link in the chain?

Shemitah, Chapter 13: Practical Guidelines for Consumers for Purchasing Fruits and Vegetables

How is Otzar Beit Din produce bought? If I'm machmir about handling heter mechirah produce as sacred, can I buy this produce in a store? Can I buy shemitah produce from farmers who grew it by transgressing shemitah laws?

Shemitah, Chapter 12: Guidelines for Grocers

Guidelines for grocers selling otzar beit din produce and heter mechirah. Is it permissible to sell produce grown by Jewish farmers who don't observe shemitah?

Shemitah, Chapter 11: Supplying Agricultural Produce

Agricultural produce in Israel comes from various sources during the shemitah year in various ways. Here the halachic parameters of each source are explained and ranked in order of what is most halachically preferable according to Torah VeHa'aretz Institute.

Shemitah, Chapter 10: Land-Dependent Mitzvot During the Shemitah Year

When and under what circumstances is produce obligated in terumot and ma'aserot during the shemitah year? What about orlah, neta revay, challah and kila'im during shemitah?

Shemitah, Chapter 9: Principles of the Prohibition to Perform Transactions with Shemitah Produce

When can money become sacred with shemitah sanctity, what is the prohibition of transacting with shemitah produce, do we have to be concerned in light of the situation today, and can we use shemitah produce for mishloach manot?

Shemitah, Chapter 8: Ne'evad and Shamur Prohibitions

Eating produce from land that was worked or guarded during shemitah. Chapter 8 of the Shemitah Consumer's Guide.

Shemitah, Chapter 7: The Sefichin Prohibition

Annual plants are forbidden for consumption during the shemitah year, even if planted in a permitted fashion, due to the sefichin prohibition. On the laws of sefichin, when and where they apply.

Shemitah, Chapter 6: Laws of Crops Growing during Shemitah

Do I need to verbalize that my shemitah fruit are ownerless? Should I remove the fence around my garden? What if I'm concerned that people will ruin my garden? Can I give shemitah fruit to a non-Jew?

Shemitah, Chapter 5: Determining Stage of Growth for Shemitah Sanctity

Perennials and annuals growing during the sixth year, shemitah, or the eight year—what is the stage of growth that determines whether they have shemitah sanctity? Definitions and classifications. What about fragrant flowers?