Here’s Why You Should Lease A Piece of An Israeli Farm This Tu B’Shvat

As the world continues to turn against Jews, with unprecedented hatred and gaslighting in our lifetimes, one of the most absurd lies that antisemites tell about Jews is that we are invaders or colonizers of our ancestral homeland. It is a land that is full of our artifacts, was treaded on by our ancestors, our kings, and our prophets, and whose calendar and agricultural practices are inextricable from our laws and traditions.

We don’t just evoke Jerusalem and the land of Israel every time we break bread, pray facing it and long for our return thrice daily, and remember it at the end of every Passover seder and wedding.

Because the land of Israel is so intrinsically holy and connected to the Jewish people, there are intricate laws about the land itself that only apply to Jews when they are farming and living in Israel. These laws are meant to feed the poor among our community, because although antisemites say that we are bloodthirsty and ruthless, Jewish values are built upon kindness and giving.

Shmitah, the Sabbatical year, or leaving the land fallow every seventh year, is somewhat of a well known mitzvah, but there are seven other commandments associated with the land of Israel.

Hamas’s October 7 attack was a huge blow to the people of Israel, but also to the farmers and herders of Israel. In an age when Jews are looking to support Israel more than ever, there’s now a tangible way to lease a piece of the holy land and perform mitzvos through a proxy that otherwise would be unavailable to you. This Tu B’Shvat, the birthday of trees, is the perfect time to hold a piece of the land of Israel.

How to Perform Mitzvos for Israel From Afar

For centuries, the Jewish people, who live in Israel, have been fulfilling the commandments specific to those living in the Land of Israel.

For decades, Shmitah-observant farmers, with the support of their brothers and sisters, have continued to honor these Mitzvos Hatelyos Ba’aretz (commandments that depend on the land of Israel) with joy and fortitude. You can have the unique privilege of partaking in these holy, exclusive commandments, by leasing a grapevine, no matter where you live through the organization L’kayeim.

The Seven Mitzvos Exclusive To Israel

PE’AH

Farmers leave the corners of their vineyard unharvested as a gift for the needy. This helps ensure everyone in the Land has food.
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וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
VAYIKRA 19:10

PERET

Grapes that fall during harvesting are left for the poor to gather, providing additional support for those in need.
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וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
VAYIKRA 19:10

OLELOS

Undeveloped grape clusters are left on the vine for the poor to pick, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
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וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
VAYIKRA 19:10

MA’ASER RISHON

Farmers give 10% of their remaining crops to the Levites.
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כי את מעשר בני ישראל אשר ירימו לה’ תרומה נתתי ללוים לנחלה על כן אמרתי להם בתוך בני ישראל לא ינחלו נחלה
BAMIDBAR 18:24

6. תרומת מעשר

TERUMAS MA’ASER

The Levites, who receive 10% of the remaining crops (Ma’aser Rishon), give a tenth of that to the Kohanim, fulling the Levites obligation of supporting the Priests.
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ואל הלוים תדבר ואמרת אלהם כי תקחו מאת בני ישראל את המעשר אשר נתתי לכם מאתם בנחלתכם והרמתם ממנו תרומת ה’ מעשר מן המעשר
BAMIDBAR 18:26

7. מעשר שני

SECOND TITHE

MA’ASER SHENI

During years 1,2,4, and 5 of the Shmitah Cycle, Ma’aser Sheni is observed. In this case, farmers take 10% of their remaining produce and redeem them with a specific coin, this act transfers the sanctity from the crops to the coin, making the produce available for any use.
During years 3 and 6 of the Shmitah Cycle, Ma’aser Ani is observed, where a farmer donates 10% of their remaining produce the poor. ‍

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עשר תעשר את כל תבואת זרעך היצא השדה שנה שנה
Devarim 14:22

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