Shmita and FAQs 🍎🍏🍌🐔🍑

 I have had a great time Zooming with students at Chabad schools and answering their questions about Shmita.  

I've had Zoom sessions with students on Long Island, Pittsburgh, Balitmore and a few more. Before we meet I send the teachers a link to a video I put together. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yUxssIYBVA

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I thought I'd share some FAQ- 

Did anything ever go wrong in your field during the year of Shmita?

This year we have had very hard rains. A lot of our fields flooded and we had damage. In Israel it only rains in the winter so we need the rain but too much rain can damage the trees. This is not the only time this has happened. We keep Shmita as a mitzvah just like any other mitzvah. I never check if this year is better or worse. I am very privileged to live in Israel and farm. I don't think whether it is related to keeping Shmita or not.

Do you ever have doubts about your field during this year?

I never have doubts. Farming is very difficult. Weather is the biggest influence and that is never in our hands.

What's your favorite part of Shmita?

For me, it is the privilege to live in Eretz Yisroel. It is a reminder that this land belongs to HaShem  It is like Shabbat - a reminder every week of what HaShem has given us. Living in Israel is a real privilege and living on farm is even greater. We are able to keep mitzvot that are only for Israel and for agriculture. This is why we wanted to share this with you and other students.

How many times does it rain by you?

It only rains in the winter and like I said this year we got a lot of rain. 

Is there a difference in taste in the fruits that grow during Shmita and the other 6 years?

Right now fruits are not Kedushat Shvit. Vegetables and any Pri Adamah like bananas are. Our fruit is always wonderful. The fruit and vegetables are better in Israel

How do you keep things somewhat orderly without plowing?

We can use pesticides if needed although we try not to for health reasons. Some of our fields are overgrown this year that is for sure. We can cut grass and weeds if it is food for the animals and we do a lot of that.

Is there a question you asked a Rav that stands out?

We needed a new water system this year. We ordered and planned everything so we could complete the work before Rosh Hashanah and Shmita. Many parts did not arrive in time so I asked the Rav what to do. We were going to need to dig up the ground in order to put in the water system. He told me we HAD to go ahead. If we did not put in the water system many of our trees would die. This is not the purpose of Shmita.

To what extent do you water, and with what שינוי?

Our water system is on a timer. So we just changes the times and amounts.

Can you share about a Heter Mechira?

In our Moshav, many farmers chose to Heter Mechira. Heter Mechira is like selling your Chamatz for Pesach. There is a signed contract between the farmer and the buyer. Basically the farm runs as it did before. 
You need to think about Shmita today. Most people are not farmers and their income is not affected by Shmita. Only farmers (and a few others) and farming is a very hard way to make an income. Heter Mechira lets the farmer continue. 

Also what would we eat in Israel? Do we want to import produce for almost 2 years? Heter Mechira is based on the time when the Jews started to come back to Israel in the late 1800s. The Rabbis realized they needed a way to keep Shmita but provide food.

Can you share a personal story of how Shmita affects you or those you now?

I am privileged to live in Israel and farm. I do not check what I get for keeping mitzvot. We prepared for Shmita and now we keep the mitzvah. If we get anything more than just the privilege we have in return I would not know. 

Do you have a financial loss?

Otzar Beit Dein is our way of getting through Shmita financially. We still sell. We knew of course that Shmita was coming so we made some changes ahead. We did not plant vegetables this year. We make most of our money from tours to our farm. People come to learn about our farm. We also make money from the animals and that is not affected by Shmita. 

As farmers there is always faith in HaShem. We pray for rain, dew etc. This year is no different.