Cheshvan 5786, Issue no. 23
Article
Mashiv haru'ach umorid hageshem in the age of supertechnologies
Dr. Mordechai Shomron, agronomist
At the beginning of the winter, we began adding mashiv haruach umorid hageshem to our prayers. Here we will address the question: Are we still so heavily reliant on rain in Israel, given the cutting-edge technology available today?
Q&A
Is there a special blessing we're supposed to say for the first rainfall?
Answer / Rabbi Netanel Oyerbach
Clip
Grafts: The perfect match
What is the prohibition of kilei ilan? How is grafting performed? What does this mean for people who want to buy fruit trees for their garden? Rabbi Moshe Bloom, English Department Director of Torah VeHa'aretz Institute, explains in a short clip on kilei ilan.
If you can't see the clip, click here >>
Plants in the Garden of Mitzvot: Sugarcane
Dr. Mordechai Shomron, agronomist
Sugarcane plays a key role in the global food and sweetener industry and in the production of paper, cosmetics, and renewable green energy (biodiesel) for vehicles. A woody perennial, it can reach seven meters and can last for several years. Is sugarcane obligated in orlah? What about terumot and ma'aserot?
Tu Bishevat lecture series for yeshivot, midrashot, and synagogues
Enrich your students' learning with a hands-on study of the mitzvot of the Land. This series of three dynamic lectures, delivered by Rabbi Moshe Bloom, Director of the English Department, brings practical insights and inspiration directly to your institution. Perfect for the period between Chanukah and Tu Bishevat, these sessions deepen understanding and connect students to the rhythms of the Jewish year in a meaningful way.
News
English kilei zera'im calculator is now up and running!
After many requests, we have finally completed our English kilei zera'im calculator to help our English speakers measure the proper distance required between different types of plants.
The calculator is user-friendly and easy to use. All you need to do is enter the two different plants or seeds you wish to plant or sow near each other, select the planting or sowing area (size often makes a difference!), and click Check.
Family Chanukah event: Save the date!
We will hold a special family event on 27-28 Kislev (December 17-18), from 10 AM to 3 PM. Registration will take place through Eshkolot. Keep posted for details.
Hundreds attended our Sukkot family event
Roughly 850 visitors participated in the two-day family event at Torah VeHa'aretz Center. Participants enjoyed a wide variety of sukkot-related activities, a thrilling VR activity, toured our state-of the-art Visitors Center, and treasure hunted their way through our stunning botanical Garden of Mitzvot.
Just $5: Special Beit Ha'otzar membership discount for olim
Torah VeHa'aretz Institute has recently decided to provide a special discount to Olim in their first two years living in Israel. Instead of the regular annual NIS 80 fee, only $5, or NIS 15. If you have recently made Aliyah, please contact us. We will also be happy to instruct you on the process of separating terumot and ma'aserot and other land-dependent mitzvot that are now applicable to you.