agriculture

With the Shemitah year approaching, a touching new initiative reveals that over 500 farmers are learning the laws of Shemitah through a unique phone partnership program. Learn how the government both supports and hinders Shemitah observance, and why it represents true sacrifice from farmers.

Understanding the pre-Sabbatical year restrictions: When does Tosefet Shevi'it begin, what purpose does it serve, and when is tree planting prohibited before the Shemitah year? A concise halachic guide for the Shemitah year 5775

Essential guidelines for what a non-Jew can and cannot do for us during the Sabbatical year

A concise guide to agricultural restrictions during the Shemita year, covering various types of seeds and planting regulations

A concise guide for watering and fertilizing fields and gardens during the Shemitah year 5775

A practical guide to plowing during the Shemitah year

Another collection of questions from the "Ask the Rabbi" section on the Hidabroot website, on the topic of Shmita

Understanding the key aspects of Shemitah: where the laws apply, prohibited agricultural work, and whether the obligation stems from Torah law or rabbinic decree

If you think that the laws of the Shemitah year are primarily intended for farmers, you should read the following article. Rabbi Shai Amar explains how we should properly prepare for the Shemitah year

Blessed initiatives are sprouting one after another in preparation for the Shemitah year. A network of kollels will be established allowing farmers to study Torah. In Bnei Brak, special bins for fruits with Shemitah sanctity will be distributed across 100 locations.

Israeli produce that changes ownership creates a serious problem. How? Hundreds of cucumbers in a box, some requiring tithing and some not – what to do? The creative solutions of kashrut supervisors

Do you need to separate tithes from prickly pears purchased roadside? What to do with mint and sage? And which spices are commonly imported from abroad?

Across America, and in other parts of the world, there's a particularly interesting small animal: the skunk. While its size doesn't exceed that of a house cat, its unique defense mechanism—releasing a strong odor—has made it famous. When threatened, it simply turns its back on its enemy and releases a fragrant cloud. The astonished foe has little choice but to retreat. Some scents are truly irresistible. Here’s more about one of nature’s most fascinating and fragrant creatures.