Q. In light of the recent shmitah year, may I purchase Israeli clementines that are currently sold at Costco (Spring 2016)? (A consumer’s question)
A. If one relies on the Heter Mechira, the clementines do not have a shmitah status and they can be eaten after separation of Terumah and Maaser.
If one does not rely on the Heter Mechira, there are possible concerns associated with buying fruit with shmitah status. If one did purchase the clementines, one must separate Terumah and Maaser, as noted in the previous Halacha Yomis. In addition, the fruit has kedushas shevi’is (the sanctity of shmitah). Fruit that has kedushas shevi’is may not be purchased with cash, but may be purchased by credit card. The fruit may not be wasted, and any leftovers, including the peel, must be collected and placed in a safe place until it rots. The fruit must be eaten in the normal manner (for example, since it is normal to eat clementines raw, they may not be cooked.) There is also a requirement of biur that will take place if any clementines remain in one’s possession on or after May 23rd (the fifteenth of Iyar). The mitzvah of biur will be discussed further in the next Halacha Yomis.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Halacha Yomis - Terumah and Maaser (cont.) - Buying Israeli Clementines OU Kosher Halacha Yomis This column is dedicated in memory of: Rav Chaim Yisroel ben Reb Dov HaLevi Belsky, zt'l Senior OU Kosher Halachic Consultant from 1987-2016
Q. In light of the recent shmitah year, may I purchase Israeli clementines that are currently sold at Costco (Spring 2016)? (A consumer’s question)
A. If one relies on the Heter Mechira, the clementines do not have a shmitah status and they can be eaten after separation of Terumah and Maaser.
If one does not rely on the Heter Mechira, there are possible concerns associated with buying fruit with shmitah status. If one did purchase the clementines, one must separate Terumah and Maaser, as noted in the previous Halacha Yomis. In addition, the fruit has kedushas shevi’is (the sanctity of shmitah). Fruit that has kedushas shevi’is may not be purchased with cash, but may be purchased by credit card. The fruit may not be wasted, and any leftovers, including the peel, must be collected and placed in a safe place until it rots. The fruit must be eaten in the normal manner (for example, since it is normal to eat clementines raw, they may not be cooked.) There is also a requirement of biur that will take place if any clementines remain in one’s possession on or after May 23rd (the fifteenth of Iyar). The mitzvah of biur will be discussed further in the next Halacha Yomis.
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