Everything you need to know to keep Kosher. Otzar Beth Din
We work six days, and the seventh day, Shabbat, is consecrated to G‑d, a day to spiritually refresh and reconnect with our Creator.
In a similar vein, every seventh year is holy; the Shemitah (Sabbatical) year is a year devoted to strengthening our bond with G‑d, and specifically to honing our faith in His omnipotence and our trust in His kindness.
This year, the year 5775 since creation (Sept. 25, 2014-Sept. 14, 2015), is a Shemitah year. The articles in the following sections will explain this year’s special observances and laws, as well as expand on its spiritual message and practical relevance in the 21st century.
During Shemitah, the land is left to lie fallow and all agricultural activity, including plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting, is forbidden by halakha (Jewish law). Other cultivation techniques (such as watering, fertilizing, weeding, spraying, trimming and mowing) may be performed as a preventative measure only, not to improve the growth of trees or other plants. Additionally, any fruits which grow of their own accord are deemed hefker (ownerless) and may be picked by anyone. A variety of laws also apply to the sale, consumption and disposal of Shemitah produce. All debts, except those of foreigners, were to be remitted
