The United Synagogue

Shemitta Alerts


Update 10

Friday 10th October 2008

Although the shemitta year is now over, produce which became prohibited during the shemitta year remains prohibited into motzei shemitta, the year following shemitta.  A list of dates for the end of shemitta restrictions can be found below.  If you have an enquiry about a product not shown in the list below, please feel free to contact the London Beth Din.

Vegetables:

Unless otherwise stated vegetables will become permitted from Chanukah (22.12.08)

The following are exceptions to this rule:-

Butternut Squash   15th Sivan                      07.06.09

Chickpeas              1st Sivan                        24.05.09

Courgette               1st Cheshvan                 30.10.08

Cucumbers             1st Kislev                       28.11.08

Dill                           20th Cheshvan              18.11.08

Garlic                      6th Adar                         02.03.09

Lettuce                   15th Cheshvan               13.11.08

Onions                    1st Nisan                        26.03.09

Paprika                   3rd Elul                           23.08.09

Pumpkin                 10th Sivan                       02.06.09

Radish                     27th Cheshvan               25.11.08

Spinach                   23rd Cheshvan               23.11.08

Spring Onions         20th Cheshvan              18.11.08

Fruit

The following have kedushat shevi'it until the dates specified below:

Apricots                  1st Iyar                          26.03.09

Avocado                 1st Av                            22.07.09

Cherries                 10th Sivan                     02.06.09

Dates                     20th Elul                        09.09.09

Figs                       15th Nisan                      09.04.09

Grapes                  1st Elul                           21.08.09

Lychee                  1st Sivan                         24.05.09

Mango                   1st Tamuz                       23.06.09

Melon                     25th Kislev                     22.12.08

Nectarine              1st Nisan                        26.03.09

Orange                  1st Elul                           21.08.09

Peaches               1st Nisan                        26.03.09

Sharon Fruit          15th Elul                        04.09.09

Plums                     1st Av                            22.07.09

Pomegranate        15th Av                          05.08.09

Strawberries         1st Tevet                       28.12.08

Water Melon          25th Kislev                    22.12.08

Update 9
Monday 8th September 2008

The following products from Israel have Kedushat Shevi'it and may be available in the UK from September/Ellul.

Those marked with an asterisk are affected by Gezerat Sefichin.

Products listed in bold have recently been added.

Fruit and Vegetables

Apricot

Artichoke

Avacado

Butter Nut Squash*

Carrot*

Cauliflower *

Celery *

Cherry

Courgette*

Dates

Fig

Grape

Grapefruit

Horseradish*

Lychee

Mango

Melons*

Nectarine

Onion*

Paprica

Passion Fruit

Pitahaya

Plum

Pomegranate

Pomelo

Potato *

Radish*

Satsuma

Spinach*

Spring Onion*

Star Fruit 

Sweet Corn *

Sweet Potato*

Tomato *

Water Melon *

Herbs and Spices

Basil *

Chilli*

Chives *

Coriander *

Dill *

Lemongrass

Marjoram

Mint*

Oregano *

Parsley*

Rosemary (dried)

Sage*

Tarragon

Thyme

Glossary of Terms:

Shemitta:

This year of 5768 is a "Shemitta" or sabbatical year when the land of Israel enjoys a "Sabbath rest", as the verse states "...and the land shall rest a Sabbath to the L-rd". (Leviticus 25, 1.) During this year there are restrictions on both the agriculture and trade of produce from the Holy Land. Produce which grows in Israel during this period takes on an added level of holiness which means that it may not be wasted, mistreated or traded in the usual fashion, and some vegetables become forbidden under Gezerat Sefichin.

LBD policy, in keeping with that of the other European Batei Din, the OU and other American Kashrut Authorities, is that given these considerations, it is preferable to avoid using products that are grown in Israel.

Kedushat Shevi'it: Literally "Holiness of the Seventh Year".

This refers to produce from the seventh year, grown in Israel, which takes on an elevated level of holiness. It is analogous to Kedushat Shabbat: Just like the seventh day of the week has an added level of holiness and some associated restrictions to honour the day, the seventh year has an added level of holiness and some associated restrictions to honour the year. Produce with Kedushat Shevi'it should not be traded commercially nor sent outside Israel, it may not be wasted nor used in an unusual manner. It may however be eaten and treated in a respectful way i.e. leftovers should not be thrown away with other rubbish but should be wrapped first.

Gezerat Sefichin: Prohibition against Consuming (certain) Vegetables.

According to Biblical law, produce that grew by itself during the Shemitta year, whilst having Kedushat Shevi'it, could still be eaten. However the Sages were concerned that individuals would plant vegetables in the seventh year and claim that these had grown by themselves. They therefore forbade consumption of Shemitta vegetables where the planting may have been during the Shemitta year itself. The date that this restriction starts depends on the type of vegetable and how long it takes to grow.

The Heter Mechira:

Over 100 years ago, in order to protect the fledgling new settlements in the land of Israel, some leading rabbis in Israel devised a method of selling the land of Israel to non-Jews in order to avoid the restrictions of shemita - the "heter mechira". Other authorities debated its validity. The generally accepted view amongst both European and American authorities was that one should avoid relying upon the Heter Mechirah outside Israel where other products are readily available. This was the position of Rabbi J B Soloveichik ז"ל , well known as the leading centrist/modern orthodox halachic authority in America, as well as other leading Rabbis.

Of additional concern this year are the reports that many Israeli farmers did not sign up to the heter mechira and thus we cannot be certain that produce exported to the UK is indeed covered by the heter.

Please note: For those wishing to continue buying Israeli produce, we recommend the Alei Katif vegetables which are grown in such a way that Shemitta restrictions are alleviated. They also have the added benefit of being insect free.