Mitzvot of the Land

Guidelines for Tithing Lemons: Shevat 5786 to Shevat 5787

On Tu Bishevat (15 Shevat) 5786, we transitioned from a ma'aser ani year to a ma'aser sheni year for fruit. For most fruits, the ma'aser year is determined by the stage of chanatah, fruit set. For etrogim, however, the determining stage is harvest, like vegetables. What is the status of lemons and to which ma'aser year do lemons harvested after 15 Shevat 5786 belong to?

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).

Laws of ma'aser sheni

Redeeming ma'aser sheni and handling with the coin in our days is complex and can be daunting. In this article we will explain the main halachic guidelines.

Intermediate plant classification as vegetables or trees

While most plants fall into neat categories as trees or vegetables, some are on the seam and have characteristics of both. This chart classifies such intermediate plants, which has bearing on the laws of orlah, berachot and kila’im. Hilchot Ha'aretz, 133.

Text for separating terumot & ma'aserot with side-by-side translation

This formula for separating terumot and ma'aserot is accompanied by a side-by-side English translation. It is an excerpt from the booklet Mitzvot of the Land in a Nutshell

The practical laws of orlah

Orlah is a biblical prohibition, even today. In this article we will discuss a few of its practical halachot. From The Laws of Orlah for the Backyard, Part II.

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.

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.

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.

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.