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Q&A

Questions to ask to ensure my tree is grafted in a kosher way

If I buy a fruit tree from a nursery, what do I need to ask to ensure that the tree was grafted according to halacha?

Kilei zera'im in the home garden: Status of thyme, basil, oregano, and strawberries

Rabbi Moshe Bloom

I know that the thyme, basil, oregano we have need to be in separate planters. They are. Where do strawberry plants fit into this issue?

Terumot and ma'aserot for orlah (and non-orlah) grape leaves - Part 1

Rabbi Netanel Oyerbach

Do I assume correctly that if I use the grape leaves from my orlah grapevine, they have to be ma'asered?

Terumot and ma'aserot for orlah (and non-orlah) grape leaves – Part 2

Rabbi Netanel Oyerbach

(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?

Orlah for grape leaves

Rabbi Moshe Bloom

I assume that grape leaves from my vine that is in its second year of orlah are allowed to be used.
Am I correct?

Membership with Otzar Ha'aretz on behalf of parents and tithing without their knowledge

Rabbi Ehud Achituv , 16 Nissan 5785

 I'm a yeshiva bachur and live with my parents. My parents have a lemon tree growing in their yard, from which they pick lemons. Can I subscribe as a member of Beit Ha'otzar and tithe the fruit without my parent's knowledge?

Nissan: Birkat ha'ilanot vs. Shekacha lo ba'olamo

Rabbi Ehud Achituv

Whoever sees especially beautiful creations recites the blessing shekacha lo ba'olamo; "Who has such things in His world."
Whoever goes out to fields or gardens in the days of Nissan and sees trees blossoming and budding recites birkat ha'ilanot, the blessing for the trees: "Blessed … who has withheld nothing from His world, and has created in it beautiful creatures and trees for human beings to enjoy.'"  What is the difference between both blessings?

Nissan: Birkat ha’ilanot on trees grafted in a forbidden manner

Rabbi Yoel Friedemann

Can one say birkat ha’ilanot on trees grafted in a forbidden fashion?

Nissan: Birkat ha'ilanot on orlah blueberry blossoms

Rabbi Moshe Bloom

I have blueberries growing in a planter in my garden. Last year, I was told I need to count orlah years for it, which seems to make it a tree. If it has flowers, can I count it as one of the trees for birkat ha'ilanot?