Cheshvan 5786, Issue no. 23
Article
Mashiv haru'ach umorid hageshem in the age of super technologies
Dr. Mordechai Shomron, agronomist
On Shemini Atzeret, 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?
Read the article >>
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 do not see the image, click here >>
QA
Blessing for the first rainfall
Is there a special blessing we're supposed to say upon the first rainfall?
Answer / Rabbi Netanel Oyerbach
Upon the first rainfall, when puddles form and it is possible to see raindrops falling in them, one should say the following blessing without the opening of Baruch atah Hashem:
Plants in the Garden of Mitzvot
Sugarcane
Dr. Mordechai Shomron, agronomist
Sugarcane plays a key role in the global food and sweetener industries and in the production of paper, cosmetics, and renewable green energy (biodiesel) for vehicles. A woody perennial, it can reach 7 m and last for several years. Is it obligated in orlah? What about terumot and ma'aserot?
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 can make a difference), and click check!
Family Chanukah event: Save the date!
We will hold a special family event during Chanukah on 27-28 Kislev (December 17-18), from 10 AM to 3 PM. Keep posted for registration details.
Family Chol Hamo'ed event
During Chol Hamo'ed Sukkot, around a thousand visitors came to the Torah VeHa'aretz Center for two lively family day events. Guests enjoyed a wide variety of meaningful and hands-on activities, including the impressive new Visitors’ Center, a treasure hunt in the Garden of Mitzvot, a Sukkot-themed sign quiz, VR goggles experience about the land-dependent mitzvot, a young fisherman game with holiday questions, and Detective Clementino, an educational and humorous film about terumot and ma'aserot. Visitors also relaxed and celebrated in a large, mehudar sukkah, taking part in an uplifting and educational holiday experience.
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.
Tu Bishevat lecture series
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 year in a meaningful way.