Q. See question above. Is that permitted during this year after Shmita?
A. The holiness of the produce of fruits grown in Eretz Yisroel has numerous Halacha implications. For example, produce that has Kedushas Shevi’is may be eaten only in Eretz Yisrael and by Jews; one may not do business with such produce or actively ruin it (for example, smashing fruit for fun is strictly prohibited). It is prohibited to take Kedushas Shevi’is produce out of Israel. Early authorities bring different reasons behind this prohibition. Rav Shlomo of Siriloi (Talmud Yerushalmi 6:5) rules that since the fruit has holiness, it should only be eaten in the holiest place, the Land of Israel.
Most authorities note that the reason behind not exporting Shevi’is produce is because of various halachic concerns, not because of the essence of Shemitah produce. The Ra’avad (Toras Kohanim, Behar 1:9), for example, writes that the concern of exporting Shemitah produce is that people outside of Israel would not handle such produce with respect. (Kedushas Ha’aretz 21: 6-12).
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid eating on Tu Bishvat also fruits that were grown during the Shemita year in Israel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
Important Numbers
