Mitzvot of the Land

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.

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

Laws of kilei ilan: permitted and prohibited scion and rootstock combinations for fruit trees, citrus trees, ornamental trees, and vegetables (update: Av 5778-July 2018)

Procedure for Separating Terumot and Ma’aserot

How exactly do we separate terumot and ma'aserot – the full procedure and the exact text

Laws of Ma'aser Rishon

Laws of Ma'aser Rishon, giving it today to a Levi, can we give it to a Kohen? To a bat Levi who is married to an Israel? To a widow of a Levi?  And much more

Shehechiyanu: Making a 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.

Orlah 101

Orlah. A major prohibition that applies to fruit before trees complete three years of growth. A unique mitzva tied to the Land of Israel, since it also applies abroad. This comprehensive alphabetical guide covers diverse orlah-related topics, including how orlah years are calculated and when the prohibition applies.

Kilei Ilan - Grafting: a Review

The review below lists the standard stock and scion pairs used in nurseries in Israel. Noted are the cultivar pairs that are halachically permissible for grafting are as well as those that that are problematic. Permissible alternatives are presented when such exist.

Kila'im

An abridged guide on the laws of kila'im, forbidden mixtures: kilei zera'im (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.

Shemitat Kesafim and Pruzbul Guide

The Cancellation of Debts Everywhere, Laws of the Shemitat Kesafim and Pruzbul

Terumot and Ma’aserot 101: a Halachic Guide

The 40 basic concepts below relate to all aspects of terumot and ma’aserot. This guide describes the various gifts, when they are given, and more.