Most agrarian societies practice crop rotation, including letting land lie fallow for a period of time to let it "regenerate". Jews are divinely commanded to do so in the Land of Israel every seven years, and at the same time commanded to forgive debts. We discuss the connection between these two aspects of shmita, and their agricultural and social benefits. We also explore terms like heter mechira and see how food policy, consumerism, and international relations join with halacha in determining shmita observance in the State of Israel.
In English | Sunday | Jan 28 | 7pm (12pm EST)
According to Jewish tradition, there is a unique relationship between the People of Israel and the Land of Israel. As part of this connection, there is a set of land-related mitzvot – mitzvot ha'tluyot ba'aretz – which deal mostly with agriculture. In our series, we will study the development of these commandments and their impact on modern day agriculture in Israel.
Boundaries of Holiness
In English | Sunday | Jan 7 | 7pm (12pm EST)
Orla
In English | Sunday | Jan 14 | 7pm (12pm EST)
Kilayim
In English | Sunday | Jan 21 | 7pm (12pm EST)
Shmita
In English | Sunday | Jan 28 | 7pm (12pm EST)