Our Israeli Container Garden

The second floor of our apartment has a large, sunny porch. At one point we had a thriving herb garden, which now contains only a geranium, some sad-looking rosemary, and a miniature citrus tree. I am gratified that the tree survived long enough for us to enjoy the single kumquat, since we couldn't … [Read more...]

The end of shmitah

This Rosh Hashanah marks the end of the shmittah year in Israel. During the sabbatical year the land is supposed to be left fallow, and whatever grows by itself in the field and on the trees is "hefker," or free for the taking. At the end of the sabbatical year, the Torah requires lenders to forgive … [Read more...]

What’s My Line? Another Visit to the Shmitah Store

Original post: A Trip to the Shmitah Store Zemira is a cashier at "Shefa me-ha-Teva" (Nature's Bounty). We call it the shmita store because it markets the produce of the organization Otzar Haaretz. Otzar Haaretz provides produce acceptable during the sabbatical year, while striving to protect … [Read more...]

A visit with Abbi, and the bug in the challah dough

What I've been up to this week:Met Commenter Abbi in the park. Her children are so sweet! (Sorry about the photo quality--I can't get through to Canon about repairing the camera.) I was glad for an excuse to get out of the house and socialize. On a related note, I don't understand how Israeli … [Read more...]

A Trip to the Shmitta Store

Mo'ah kemo Efro'ah has been nudging me to do a post on shopping during shmitta. So on my last trip to the "shmitta store" catering to the religious public, I brought my camera. I can't possibly explain all of the political, religious, economic, and practical implications of this mitzvah; check out … [Read more...]