Q&A

I planted an African blue basil plant in my garden (in Israel). I recently learned that this plant is propagated through cross pollination of two other basil species. Is it permitted to keep this plant in my garden? I assume so but want to check. I would love to understand the analysis. Thank you!

I am a media student, and throughout my studies I frequently encounter complex halachic questions concerning the boundaries between freedom of expression, information disclosure, and lashon hara (harmful speech). From my time in yeshiva, I recall that the Chafetz Chaim sets stringent and detailed conditions for when speaking lashon hara for a constructive purpose is permitted. At times, it seems as though halacha tends to protect the offender—shielding him behind a wall of silence—while the victim, who has been harmed, remains unprotected and without recourse. How can we understand the Torah’s approach, which appears to exercise extreme caution toward wrongdoers rather than coming to the aid of those they have hurt?

Hi, I was hoping you could help me. Any of the box stores and vendors that sell fruit trees in the United States do not list their rootstock. My understanding is that at times they can use various different rootstocks that are often not the original min. How concerned do I have to be about this when purchasing these trees?

1.       I saw a technique called rootballing, where you peel off the bark of a tree around a branch and cover it with soil and it sends out roots. Then you disconnect if from the tree and plant it. This also allows it to produce fruit more quickly. Is this allowed halachically?

2.       My plan is to plant the branch with roots in a pot and make it a bonsai, and place it on my porch. I also am planning to take seeds of various fruits and germinate them, like avocados – also to prepare bonsais. Perhaps eventually, if I move and have a bigger garden, I might transplant it into the ground and it will grow bigger. Is it ok halachically to grow a tree as a bonsai?

Our rimon tree is about 5-6 years old. It's never really given its edible fruit. We're considering getting another non-fruit tree in its place. Are we allowed to uproot the rimon?

I am growing peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers . Each vegetable is in a separate container on my porch that has a concrete floor. all of the pots are perforated. am I obligated to ensure a certain amount of distance between the containers due to laws of kilayim? For example, the pepper pot and tomato pot are sitting directly on the concrete floor and when I water them, and the water flows out of the bottom of the pots - the waters are mixing - maybe one is feeding from the other? Thank you

I had a pot with sweet potatoes and wanted to plant potatoes there instead. So, I thought that I cleaned all the sweet potato remnants, but lo and behold! This was the result. Are they kilei zera'im? What should I do now? Will I be permitted to eat the potatoes and sweet potatoes?

Sholom u’vrocho!

I came across your article on line about the above topic.

I have 2 grape vines in separate locations in my garden in Chutz L’Aretz (Manchester).

Whilst I have taken care not to plant any vegetables near or under the vine I have some self-seeded chives which are growing near one. These are not eaten but have been allowed to grow as they produce purple flowers which attract the bees.

Near the second vine there are some alpine strawberries which have grown and spread just under the end of the leaf canopy. Again, these are not eaten but left for their tiny white flowers.

Do I need to uproot either or both the chives and the alpine strawberries?

Please advise. Yasher koach.

Quick question - if I pick a lychee from my tree and want to eat it straight away, do I need to take terumot and maaserot first?