The Shmita

The general consensus is that the most valid methods of obtaining produce are the Otzar Beit Din (which will provide tree fruit from within Israel), produce raised either outside the state of Israel or outside the area considered to have the kedusha of Eretz Yisrael (such as the Negev), and certain vegetables grown in pots (according to halachic standards, though we avoid the leniency to plant in pots during the seventh year) or through hydroponics. Produce of gentile owned land within Eretz Yisrael is also considered a possibility but is generally not viewed in a favorable light. Reasons for this include the possibility of poor health standards, political reasons, and the fact that though gentiles are not forbidden from agricultural work, the land is still not being rested.

We take the more stringent opinion that produce of gentile owned land in Eretz Yisrael has kedusha. Among other ramifications, this means that one who buys this produce from a gentile cannot turn around and resell, we would be unable to make use of a general wholesaler of this type of produce (outside a Va’adat Hashmita). We also take the more stringent opinions that commerce with produce from land that was guarded or worked is forbidden.

However, though we are stringent in areas that affect how the land is worked, this does not necessarily mean that we must be so in other areas. Since most of us are ba’alei teshuva this would probably be out of character for us. So, in matters of kedusha and biur we can make use of the lenient positions. A useful example of the lenient position in regards to the kedusha of produce would be to not consider water that shvi’it produce was cooked in as having kedusha, we may throw it out without waiting. We are also lenient on what are considered sefichin (i.e. mushrooms are not included).