Halachic Guides

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, Appendix A: Shemitah Sanctity and Bi'ur times for Fruit

When does each kind of fruit have kedushat shevi'it and when is its' bi'ur time? Appendix A of the Consumer's Guide to Shemitah.

Shemitah, Appendix B: Shemitah Sanctity, Sefichin, and Bi'ur for Grains, Legumes, and Seeds

When does each kind of produce have shemitah sanctity, and when is its' Bi'ut time?

Shemitah, Appendix C: Shemitah Sanctity and Sefichin for Vegetables – based on the Solar Calendar

When does each kind of vegetable have shemitah sanctity, and when is its' Bi'ut time?

Shemitah, Appendix D: Shemitah Sanctity for Herbs and Spices

When does each kind of herb and spice have shemitah sanctity, and when is its' Bi'ut time?

Shemitah, Appendix E: Guidelines for Growing Indoors on Detached Platforms

Can I grow plants in my home during shemitah? How do I set up a hothouse with detached platforms? All you need to know on setting up detached platforms (matza menutak) for indoor home gardens.

Orlah, Preface: The prohibition of orlah, a mitzvah dependent on the Land of Israel

What makes a mitzvah "dependent on the Land of Israel"? On the definition of these special mitzvot and the sanctity inherent in the soil and its produce. Also, on orlah's unique status inasmuch as it also applies abroad.

Orlah, Chapter 1: General Laws of Orlah

An overview of the general laws that govern the prohibition of orlah.

Orlah, Chapter 2: Calculating Orlah Years

How do you go about calculating orlah years for trees? How is that different from the orlah count for fruit?

Orlah, Chapter 3a: What is a tree?

The halachic definition of tree vs. vegetables vis-à-vis orlah includes various criteria. An overview of the Talmudic criteria as well as those added by Rishonim and Acharonim. Also, a look at those plants don't fit neatly into a specific category.