Terumot and ma'aserot for orlah (and non-orlah) grape leaves – Part 2
Question
(Follow-up question from Terumot and ma'aserot from orlah (and non-orlah) grape leaves - Part 1)
I understand that in general, grape leaves are secondary to grapes, so they are exempt from terumot and ma'aserot. However, if the grapes are forbidden until after the three years, then the grape leaves become THE main product of the vine in the meantime. Might that not elevate the leaves to be subject to T&M?
Answer
Rabbi Netanel Oyerbach
The status goes after its primary use in general - the fact that now the leaves are the primary "fruit" doesn't matter. For this reason, the leaves are always exempt from terumot and ma'aserot. Again, though, note the infestation issue.