!ברוכים הבאים לישראל
By Rabbi Elimelech Kornfeld Shlita
Rav, Kehillas Hagra, Ramat Beit Shemesh
(Kindly Sponsored Anonymously לזכות ילדי השכונה)
Introduction
This pamphlet has been prepared to address many of the common Halachic questions that Olim
Chadashim have asked me over the past number of years.
As we are all aware, the level of קדושה (holiness) here in Eretz Yisrael is greater than in Chutz la-
Aretz. The Torah describes Eretz Yisrael as being “The land that Hashem constantly watches” and
it is our privilege to live here with Him. However as is always the case, with privilege comes
responsibility. In this case we have increased responsibilities in our requirement to exercise greater
meticulousness in the performance of all Mitzvos and especially in keeping those Mitzvos which
are unique to Eretz Yisrael מצות התליות בארץ
In much the same way as a Kohen or a Levi has specific laws, prohibitions, and requirements in
his service of Hashem, the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael have their own special relationship with
Hashem that brings about its own obligations. By choosing to live in Eretz Yisrael we have made
an extraordinary step towards coming closer to Hashem and to a more fulfilling Judaism. The most
important thing to keep in mind is that many matters which we took for granted in our former
surroundings now require more careful attention. The reward for our vigilance will be the merit to exist successfully in this Land of Holiness.
There are many Halachos which must be kept in Eretz Yisrael even with respect to those mitzvos
which we have been keeping previously in Chutz la-Aretz. Some of these Halachos are explicitly
stated as applying to Eretz Yisrael by Torah law ( מדארייתא ); some are of Rabbinic origin מדרבנן
and some are customs ( מנהגים ) that the communities living in Eretz Yisrael have adopted over the
years. Regardless of one’s origin, one who lives in Eretz Yisrael should keep all of these Halachos
– even if in Chutz la-Aretz he did not keep them.
Settling in Eretz Yisrael gives one enormous potential for personal spiritual growth. Without
belittling the level of Yiddishkeit” (Judaism) we may have had in Chutz la-Aretz, if we open our
hearts and eyes we will discover that there is a higher level available for us here in Israel.
NOTE: This pamphlet is not meant as a definitive Halachic guide. Rather, it is meant
to alert you to potential Halachic issues which you should then discuss with your
personal Rav.
פירות וירקות – Fruits and Vegetables
It is important to understand that although in Chutz la-Aretz the main focus of Kashrus is on meat
and meat by-products, here in Israel all fruits and vegetables require a reliable Hechsher as well.
This is because there are many laws concerning products which grow in Israel מצוות התלויות בארץ
תרומות ומעשרות– Terumos and Ma’asros
There is an obligation to take a specified portion of produce grown in Eretz Yisrael and
designate it as Terumah and Ma’aser.
Any produce that has not had the proper Terumos and Ma’asros removed from it, is called
Tevel ( טבל ) and is forbidden to be eaten. One should keep in mind that eating an apple
without separating Terumah from it, is the equivalent of eating chicken baked in butter!
Therefore, when buying any produce grown in Israel (even if it is purchased in Chutz la-
Aretz) it is very important to check for a reliable Hechsher that states that the produce you
are purchasing has had the proper Terumos and Ma’asros removed. Many shops and
markets will have a sign from a Rabbinic authority that has a specific date on it stating
when the Terumos and Ma’asros were taken and until when one can safely purchase the
produce. These signs are usually updated on a daily basis.
Nevertheless, there are times when one must know how to separate one’s own Terumos and
Ma’asros. Instructions for this follows.
Fruits and vegetables bought from roadside stands or in a Shuk (without a Hechsher), or
fruits and vegetables grown in one’s personal garden MUST have Terumos and Ma’asros
removed before the produce can be eaten.
Note: Produce picked from ownerless (Hefker) areas (i.e. fruits picked from a tree while on
a trip) can be eaten without removing Terumos and Ma’asros.
What is Terumah?
Terumah (תרומה גדולה) is a portion of the produce which is separated and then given to a
Kohen who eats it if he or she is Tahor (ritually clean). The obligation to separate Terumah
is independent of the obligation to give it to a Kohen. Nowadays, although Kohanim are
not Tahor, this does not free one from the obligation to separate Terumah, for if one does
not separate Terumah, the produce is forbidden to eat as Tevel. Even a Kohen may not eat
Tevel and therefore must separate Terumah from his own produce, even though he may eat
the Terumah himself, provided he is Tahor.
Today Terumah must be disposed of as described below.
The Torah does not prescribe how much Terumah has to be separated; even a minute
amount is sufficient.
What is Ma’aser?
Ma’aser means “a tenth” and is an additional amount of produce that must be separated
from produce. There are three sorts of Ma’aser:
Ma’aser Rishon (מעשר ראשון) – Ten percent (10%) of the produce remaining after
separating terumah must be separated and given to a Levi. Unlike Terumah,
Ma’aser Rishon does not have to be eaten while Tahor and can be eaten by anyone,
even by a Yisrael (a non-Kohen or a non-Levi).Nowadays, we do not give our
Ma’aser Rishon to a Levi because we are not sure who is a true Levi. Therefore, we
may eat the Ma’aser Rishon ourselves after separating it, since, as above, it is
permitted to a Yisrael.
Terumas Ma’aser ( תרומת מעשר ) One-tenth of the Ma’aser Rishon is known as
Terumas Ma’aser. When a Levi receives Ma’aser Rishon, he must separate the
Terumas Ma’aser and give it to the Kohen. If the Yisrael keeps the Ma’aser Rishon
for himself (as above), then he must separate the Terumas Ma’aser from it. This
Terumas Ma’aser has all the Halachos of regular Terumah. Therefore, even though
we do not give the Ma’aser Rishon to the Levi (as above), we must still remove the
Terumas Ma’aser and set it aside as Terumah, before we may eat the produce.
Ma’aser Sheyni ( מעשר שני ) – Ma’aser Sheyni is an additional 10% of the
remaining produce which must be separated in addition to Terumah, Terumas
Ma’aser and Ma’aser Rishon. However, Ma’aser Sheyni is not meant to be given to
anyone; rather it is supposed to be eaten by the owner of the produce in
Yerushalayim. Nowadays when there is no Beis Hamikdash, we must redeem the
Ma’aser Sheyni with a coin as explained below.
The Year 5766 (until 22 Sep 2006) is the 5th year of the Shemittah cycle.
Ma’aser Sheyni must be taken from all produce that grows in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 5th
years of the seven-year Shemittah cycle.
Ma’aser Oni – ( מעשר עני ) – Ma’aser Oni is 10% of the produce which must be
separated in addition to Terumah, Terumas Ma’aser and Ma’aser. It is separated on
those years when Ma’aser Sheyni is not separated, i.e., in the 3rd & 6th years of the
seven-year Shemittah cycle.
Ma’aser Oni is meant to be given to poor people. If you are unsure whether
Ma’aser Oni was taken, then it may be eaten.If you are certain that it was never
taken, it must be given to poor people. Many local Tzedakos will accept
Ma’aser Oni. Ask the Gabbai Tzeddokoh for more information regarding the
distribution of Ma’aser Oni.
How to Take Terumos and Ma’asros
The following is the exact procedure that should be used if you have to take Terumos and
Ma’asros by yourself.
NOTE: This process must be followed for each type of produce you are dealing with
individually. This means that you must take Terumos and Ma’asros from tomatoes on
tomatoes, and from apples on apples. You CANNOT use apples as Terumos and Ma’asros
for tomatoes.
When you take the Terumos and Ma’asros, all the produce should be in the same room and
not in closed containers.
You can only separate Terumos and Ma’asros from produce that has already been already
picked, but NOT from produce that is still attached to its tree or bush.
IMPORTANT – READ INTRODUCTION ON PREVIOUS PAGE
If you know for sure that the produce has never had Terumos and Ma’asros separated from
it, then you should make a Beracha before performing the below process. The Beracha to
be said is “אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וציונו להפריש תרומות ומעשרות…..”
If you are not sure if Terumos and Ma’asros have been separated, follow the same process,
but do NOT make the Beracha.
1. Start by separating an amount that contains MORE than 1% (1/100th) from the
produce. It’s easiest to measure by weight. If in doubt take a bit more.
2. Say (in English): “That which is MORE than the 1% is proclaimed Terumoh
Gedolah on the north side of the produce that I separated ” (i.e. the little bit over the
1% but not the 1% itself). You do not need to know which direction is north; it will
take effect by itself.
3. Then say: “The 1% of the produce that I have separated, plus another 9% of the
produce on the northern side of the rest of the produce, shall be Ma’aser Rishon”.
4. Then say: “The 1% that I have previously proclaimed Ma’aser Rishon is now
proclaimed Terumas Ma’aser on the Ma’aser.”
5. Now take the bit that you separated at the beginning in #1 (which is now Terumah
Gedolah and Terumas Ma’aser) and put it in a plastic bag and discard it.
6. In the 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 5th years of the seven-year Shemittah cycle, you should then
say: “The Ma’aser Sheyni is now proclaimed in the southern side of the remaining
produce”.
7. The Ma’aser Sheyni must then be redeemed onto money. (See 8 below) If you are
certain that Ma’aser Sheyni has never been separated from this produce, you must
make a Beracha before redeeming it. The Beracha is “אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וציונו על
פדיון מעשר שני ..” (if you are uncertain if Ma’aser Sheyni was removed, follow the
same procedure, but do NOT make a Beracha).
8. Take a coin (e.g. a shekel coin) and say “I am redeeming the Ma’aser Sheyni plus
another fifth of its value, on a Perutah (based on the current price of silver, its value
is approximately 5 agurot) in this coin that I have set aside for redeeming Ma’aser
Sheyni“. The coin may be used again for redeeming Ma’aser Sheyni until you used
its entire value for redeeming Ma’aser Sheyni. Consult your Rav regarding what to
do with the coin.
9. To avoid all problems of פדיון מעשר שני and נטע רבעי it is recommended that one
becomes a member of קרן המעשרות . By paying a very nominal fee one can
redeem an unlimited amount of fruit onto their coin which they take care of.
For details contact : ” 02-538 3123 המדרש להלכה בהתישבות בית”
10. In the 3rd and 6th years of the seven-year Shemittah cycle in place of the above
proclamation of Ma’aser Sheyni, say “The Ma’aser Oni is now proclaimed in the
southern side of the remaining produce”. If you are certain that Maaser Oni was
never taken then this tenth should then be given to a poor person. Ask your Rav for
more information.
11. NOTE: If the fruit is Neta Revai (see section below, “Orlah”) then Terumah and
Ma’aser are not separated off, however, the fruit must be redeemed. Follow the
procedure outlined in 7& 8, but replace the words “I am redeeming the Ma’aser
Sheyni” with the words “I am redeeming the Neta Revai”
ערלה – Orlah
After planting a new tree, the fruit that grows in the first three years is forbidden to be eaten. This
fruit is called Orlah from which you may not derive ANY pleasure. This is true both in Chutz la-
Aretz and in Eretz Yisrael. However, in Chutz la-Aretz if you are unsure if the fruits came from a
tree that is less than three years old, you can assume it is permitted and you may eat the fruits. In
Eretz Yisrael the fruit cannot be eaten unless you know for sure that the tree is more than three
years old.
Although most trees do not bear significant fruit in their first three years, this still presents a
problem. Many fruit trees are raised in a nursery and then replanted in a field. In many
circumstances the replanting gives the trees a Halachic status of a newly planted tree and you must
wait another three years before eating the fruits.
When planting fruit trees in your yards, it is advisable to ask a Rav about potential Orlah issues
related to replanting nursery-raised fruit trees.
Many Hechsherim Israel make sure that there is no Orlah in the fruit that is sold under their
auspices. When buying fruit without a Hechsher you should make sure that there are no Orlah
problems.
In addition to Orlah (the first three years of the tree), the fruits of the fourth year are called Neta
Revai which has the same Halachic status as Ma’aser Sheyni (see above). These fruits do not
require the separation of Terumos and Ma’asros; however they must be redeemed onto a coin like
Ma’aser Sheyni.
כלאים – Kilayim
Although some of the Halachos of Kilayim (mixed seeds) apply in Chutz la-Aretz as well as in
Eretz Yisrael, it is more common for people to plant produce in their yards here. For this reason
these Halachos are included here as well. (Additionally, Kil’ai Zera’im does not apply in Chutz la-
Aretz).
Kilayim is the Torah prohibition of planting dissimilar types of produce in a single field. There are
three types of Kilayim:
· Kil’ai HaKerem ( הכרם כלאי) – A grapevine may not be planted next to (or draped
over) planted grains or vegetables. If a vine was intentionally planted with grains,
legumes or vegetables, you must uproot the vine and the grains etc.
If one is planning to buy and plant a grapevine you should consult a Rav to find out
what may be planted near the vine and how far the vine must be from other
produce.
If you bought a house that already has vegetables planted under a grapevine, you
need to consult a Rav on what to do.
· Kil’ai Zera’im (זרעים כלאי) – Different types of vegetables, legumes, and grains
may not be planted together in the same field. You must consult a Rav to determine
how far apart these items must be from each other in a yard or field.
· Harkovas Ha’ilan (האילן הרכבת) – You are not allowed to graft dissimilar fruit trees
to each other. Even if someone else did the grafting, you are not allowed to let the
tree grow in your garden. Many fruit trees bought from nurseries are grafted. You
must consult a Rav on how to verify whether the tree was grafted with its own
species.
שמיטה – Shemittah
Every seventh year in Eretz Yisrael you must leave your land fallow and must allow anyone to
pick fruits from your field. There are numerous Halachos of Shemittah that affect just about every
produce product sold on the market in Israel.
The next Shemittah commences in 5768 (13 Sep 2007 ) and you should familiarize yourself
with those Halachos before then.
חלה – Challah
When you bake bread, cakes or cookies and you use more than 2.6 lbs / 1.2kgs of flour
you are required to take off a piece of the dough, proclaim it Challah and give it to a
Kohen. This piece is called Challah. Just as with Terumah (see above), today we do not
give the Challah to the Kohen; rather it should be wrapped in silver foil and burnt in an
oven. It shouldn’t be burned in the oven at the same time as other food is cooking/baking
there.
Although one takes off Challah from dough that is 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kgs, one does not make a
Bracha unless it is larger than 5 lbs / 2.25 kgs
Irrespective of whether you are making a Bracha or not, when you take off the Challah,
say “Harei zu Challah”.
The Halachos of Challah apply both in Chutz la-Aretz and in Eretz Yisrael. However in
Eretz Yisrael the Halachos are more stringent.
תולעים – Insects
Because of the hot and dry climate of the Middle East, food borne insects are very common
in Israel. It is important to check ALL foods during preparation to make sure no insects are in
the food. Eating insects involves numerous Torah prohibitions and proper care must be taken
to inspect foods.
Bread and cake flour (even purchased in bags) must be sifted before use in order to remove
insects that can be found in flour. Most supermarkets or hardware stores sell special flour
sifters for this purpose. The flour should be sifted immediately before use, or it can be sifted
and then stored in the freezer to prevent the reintroduction of insects.
Macaroni, noodles and rice should also be checked carefully before use. Dried fruit and nuts
are especially prone to be infested with insects.
כשרות – General Kashrus
Hechsherim
In Israel, like in Chutz la-Aretz, there are many different Kashrus Organizations each of which has
its own rules and standards. In Israel you will see products, stores, and restaurants that have
symbols and certificates that say “Rabbanut” or “Rabbanut Mehadrin” or different types of
“Ba’Datz”.
What are the standards of each of these organizations and how can you know which to rely on?
(The following is said in very general terms and is only meant to inform you of the issues which
you need to discuss with your local Rav.)
The Israeli Rabbanut Kashrut organization is a governmental agency created for the purpose of
providing kosher certification to Israeli products and shops. The Rabbanim of the Rabbanut are all
“Frum – Dati” people. The philosophy behind the formation of the Rabbanut Hechsher was to
insure that all food sold in Israel is certified Kosher. Since many Israelis are not strictly observant,
there is a need to make Kosher products easily available so that these people will not feel the need
to eat non-Kosher foods. In order to accomplish this, the Rabbanut is often forced to rely on
Heteirim (leniencies) in standards that you might not want to rely on in your own kitchen. A well
known example of this is the fact that they permit the use of gelatin.
This is not a general statement about all Rabbanut Hechsherim, as they vary from city to city, but
is the philosophy behind the Kashrus standards of the Rabbanut. It is recommended to check with
your Rav to find out which Hechsherim are up to the standards you are used to from Chutz la-
Aretz.
When eating at a Rabbanut certified restaurant or hotel it is recommended to seek out the on-site
Mashgiach to verify the standards in place in that particular restaurant.
Over the years, a demand for a higher level of Kashrut standards developed due to the religious
population. Hence the “Rabbanut Mehadrin” Hechsher was introduced. This Hechsher applies a
much higher level of standards in their supervision of products and restaurants. Again, consult
your local Rav for details.
The various “Ba’Datz” Hechsherim apply a stringent level of standards to all their products. Speak
to your Rav for more information. Be aware that there are even some specific Hechsherim that
follow Sepharadi customs and may not be suitable for Ashkenazim. This is especially important to
keep in mind around Pesach time when many products will contain Kitnayos (legumes) and may
only be Kosher for Pesach for Sephardim.
Packaging
Packaging of products in Israel is very different than packaging in the US. If you can not read
Hebrew, be very careful about what you are buying!
In general, Hechsherim in Israel have different Halachic standards then those in Chutz la-Aretz. It
is important to know your standards and pick Hecheshrim that are on par with your standards.
Issues to be aware of:
Sometimes the identical product may be manufactured with and without the
Hechsher! Check that all your products bear a Hechsher.
Ice cream comes in Pareve and dairy versions; however the packaging often looks
exactly the same. Make sure you look for the little marking saying “Chalavi – “חלבי
or “Pareve – פרווה ” on the box.
The raw liver that is sold in supermarkets is NOT koshered. It must be broiled
before it can be eaten. Consult your Rav for details. (This does not apply to chopped
liver which has already been broiled during production.) Very often the same
company sells similar products, one with a Mehadrin Hechsher and one without.
Make sure you are getting the product you want.
Margarine and butter packages look similar in Israel. Make sure the margarine you
are buying is Pareve!
Be aware of products that might contain “Kitniyos” around Pesach time.
Restaurants will sometimes change Hechsherim overnight! Check with the
restaurant to be sure they still have the Hechsher you want.
Tevilas Kailim (כלים טבילת)
All pots or utensils purchased from a non-Jewish
owner require Tevilah (immersion) in a Mikveh before they may be used. Not every
pot sold in Israel has been manufactured by a Jewish company. In fact, many of the
large Israeli manufacturers are actually owned by foreign investors and the pots
they manufacture require Tevilah. Consult your Rav for details.
מזוזה – Mezuzah
When purchasing or renting a home in Israel you must put up Mezuzos on the day you move in.
This is unlike Chutz la-Aretz where you can wait 30 days.
If you need Mezuzos immediately, there are Gemachim (free loan societies) that can lend you
Mezuzos for short periods of time until you buy the needed Mezuzos.
תפילה וכו’ – Tefillah etc.
It is forbidden to talk during davening. This is true both in Israel and in Chutz la-Aretz.
The Kohanim Duchen every day during Shacharis and twice on days with Mussaf. Ein
Ke’elokainu is said during the weekday also.
An additional Borechu is said at the end of every Shacharis that does not have Krias
Hatorah, and at the end of every Ma’ariv.
In the דרבנן קדיש the word קדישא is added – אתרא קדישא הדין
The paragraphs of Boruch Hashem Le’Olam before Shemoneh Esrei in Ma’ariv are not
said. Most shuls do not say Veshomru at Maa’riv on Shabbos or other Pesukim on Yom
Tov.
One does NOT wear Tefillin on Chol Hamoed. Hallel is said in Shul on the first night
of Pesach.
One starts saying ותן טל ומטר on the seventh day of Cheshvan – ז’ חשון – מוריד הטל. is said
(even in Nusach Ashkenaz) from the first day of Pesach.
In many Shuls a special Shir Shel Yom is said on Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed. (On Rosh
Chodesh ONLY Borchi Nafshi is said).
Selichos – In most Shuls Selichos are said on fast days. On the Be”hab days the Pizmon
is switched from the first Monday to the Thursday.
A זכר לחורבן (unplastered area) should be made on the wall opposite the entrance of the
apartment. The size of this area should be 482cm according to ר’ חיים נאה and 57.62cm
according to the חזון איש.
Many thanks to R’ Avrohom Hoschander and R’ Mendy Newman for their assistance in
producing this pamphlet.