Fruits & Vegetables from Israel

Occasionally, Israeli produce without a hechsher appears in local supermarkets. In such cases, one needs to make sure the Halachos are properly fulfilled before eating the produce.

Categories of Terumah and Maaser
Produce from which terumah and maaser were not separated is known as tevel and is prohibited. While it is possible that someone higher in the supply chain separated terumah and maaser, one cannot rely on assumptions, so these mitzvos must be addressed by the consumer.

Below, we provide general guidelines on how to separate terumah and maaser on produce from Eretz Yisroel. However, we strongly recommend consulting a knowledgeable Rav before performing this procedure to ensure accuracy.

Before detailing the process, it is essential to understand the different types of terumah and maaser that must be separated:
1. TERUMAH GEDOLAH – A portion given to a Kohen. The Torah does not specify an amount, but mi’d’rabbanan, around 2% was customarily given. Since this is not actually given to a Kohen today, only a small token amount is separated and discarded.
2. MAASER RISHON – 10% of the remaining produce, originally given to a Levi. Today, while we still separate this portion, no Levi can claim it, so it remains with the owner and may be eaten.
3. MAASER SHEINI & MAASER ANI – In years 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the shemittah cycle, maaser sheini is separated. This portion was historically brought to Yerushalayim and eaten there, but today it is redeemed with a coin. In years 3 and 6, maaser ani is separated instead, and is given to the poor. Today, while we still separate this portion, no “ani” can claim it, so it remains with the owner and may be eaten.
This year (5785) is a maaser ani year.
4. TERUMAS MAASER – The Levi would separate 10% of his Maaser Rishon and give it to a  Kohen. Today, this amount is separated but not given to a Kohen; instead, it is discarded.
5. NETA REVAI – Fruits that grew in the fourth year of a tree’s life. This is similar to maaser sheini and was brought to Yerushalayim and eaten there. Nowadays it is redeemed with a coin.

The Procedure for Separating Terumos and Maaseros
BEGIN BY GATHERING the batch of produce upon which you intend to do the mitzvos and place it in front of you. Each type of produce should be handled separately—do not mix different items. The separation process can only be performed if the total wholesale value of the produce is at least one dollar; if it is worth less, the separation cannot be done.

NEXT, SLIGHTLY DAMPEN your fingers and touch the portion of the produce you plan to  separate as terumah. This imparts tumah onto it, which allows it to be properly disposed of later.

THEN, SEPARATE SLIGHTLY more than 1% of the produce and set it aside. This portion will serve as both terumah gedolah and terumas maaser. Although a brocha is typically recited at this stage, it is omitted in this case due to the possibility that someone in the supply chain may have already performed the separation (Safeik Brochos Lehakel).

NEXT, TAKE A COIN and place it before you. This coin will be used to redeem the maaser sheini and neta revai. The coin must be a valid currency in your country. In the US, a dime is  recommended, as it satisfies the various Halachic opinions regarding the minimum value required.

NEXT, A SPECIFIC DECLARATION is recited, which can be found in the siddur.

THE SEPARATION PROCESS is now complete and the remaining produce (excluding the separated portion) may be eaten.

The separated portion, which is classified as terumah temei’ah, should be double-wrapped and discarded. The coin used for redemption now has the kedushah of maaser sheini, so it must also be disposed of. Since the coin retains holiness, it is essential to ensure that it is never used again. The best practice is to damage it. To guarantee its permanent loss, flushing it down the toilet is recommended.

Is the Produce Orlah?
The Torah prohibits consuming fruit from a tree during its first three years, but this restriction does not apply to vegetables.

Outside of Eretz Yisroel, there is no concern for orlah unless one is certain that the fruit comes from a tree within its first three years. In cases of doubt (safeik orlah), the fruit is permitted.

However, when dealing with fruit from Israel, even the possibility that it may be orlah renders it forbidden. There is no way to rectify such produce, so it must be discarded. Consumers should research the product or consult a Rav to determine whether orlah is a concern. For a lengthy discussion of the Halachos of orlah, click here.

Is the Produce from Shemittah?
The shmittah year imposes specific restrictions on the consumption and handling of produce grown during that time. It is advisable to avoid purchasing Israeli produce from a shmittah year. The next shmittah year will be 5789 in the Jewish calendar (2028–2029).