Halacha Yomis - Terumah and Maaser (cont.) - Israeli Carrots 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. May I presently buy Israeli carrots after the recent Shmita year? (A consumer’s question) A. Israeli carrots currently being sold in the U.S. (May 2016) at this point can be assumed to no longer be peiros shevi’is and may be purchased lichatchila. In fact, purchasing Israeli products is commendable as it benefits the Israeli economy. However, if the carrots do not have a reliable kosher certification, one must separate the relevant tithes (Terumos and Ma’aseros). This year is the first year of the shemita cycle. This means that ma’aser sheini must be separated. The ma’aser sheini portion can be redeemed by transferring its kedusha (elevated status) to a coin. Even a nickel may be used, provided the ma’aser sheini portion (approximately 9% of the package of carrots) is worth more than a peruta, approximately 3 or 4 cents. For the procedure to separate Terumah and Maaser, see https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/separating-terumah-and-maaser/.