This year, 5782, is the Shmitta year in Eretz Yisroel, when the land is not worked and the farms lay quiet.  This is Sabbatical year for the farmers and the land.  And while, we can mostly rely on the usually trusted Hechsherim to take care of the Shmittta Halachic issues, there are certainly still situations that require guidance for the 7th year product.  If one (even outside of Eretz Yisroel) were, for instance to buy Jaffa Oranges, wine or lemon juice from Eretz Yisroel this year, the laws of Shmitta would be very relevant.  If a product bears a reliable Hashgacha, it means that it was Halachically dealt with.  Produce grown this Shmitta year is normally not allowed to be exported.  However, produce grown in Israel this year on land fully owned by a non-Jew is fully permissible according to the Minhag of Yerushalayim, while the Bnei Brak Minhag dictates not to use such produce.  And certain areas of Israel are not considered within the boundaries of Halachic Eretz Hakodesh and therefore, are not subject to the laws of Shviis in the Shemitta year (R’ Elyashuv says that those areas need to keep 2 days Yom Tov, such as Eilat etc.)

For those visiting Eretz Yisroel this Pesach, who would like to have fresh, free or other fruit that is subject to the laws of Shviis, will need to learn how to properly dispose of any remnants, as they do contain kedusha.   It normally cannot be thrown away or treated in a disrespectful manner.  This necessitates throwing away left over fruit from Eretz Yisroel this year in  a bag, leaving it to rot and only then, discarding it in the trash.  

Due to the complexities of the laws of Shmitta, one should be careful to note if any produce they buy is from Eretz Yisroel and if it does not have a reliable Hashgacha, consult a Rav as to how to be able to use and dispose of it.    

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