Purchase Israeli Produce

February 2004

Halacha requires the tithing (separation of teruma and ma’aser) of produce grown in Israel, and untithed produce may not be consumed. In the State of Israel, various Kashrus organizations arrange for this tithing to occur. Generally, there are no arrangements made for the tithing of fresh produce that is exported to the United States.

Given the importance of supporting the Israeli economy, we encourage the public to purchase fresh produce and tithe the product at home. There is some concern about how this should be done, for the following reason. Some produce may be grown in areas where tithing is not required. Such produce does not require tithing, nor can such produce be designated as the tithed portion for Israeli fruits and vegetables. The question arises, can one purchase produce in a supermarket and designate a portion of the produce as terumah and ma’aser for the entire batch, when the possibility exists that the designated produce may come from an area where tithing is not required, while the remainder may require tithing? This is a matter of halachic dispute. Some Rabbis require that each piece be tithed separately. On the other hand, Horav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, z”tl, and others, are of the opinion that the possibility of a mixture in the same batch is unlikely, and therefore one can tithe the entire batch without a separation from each individual item. In any event, when tithing fruits and vegetables, one should not recite a brocha, since the possibility exists that the produce was grown outside of Israel.

Following is a brief outline of the method to be followed when tithing produce:

1) Place all of the produce in front of you.

2) Remove slightly more than 1% of the produce. For example, if there are 100 peppers, separate one whole pepper and a small part of a second pepper.

3) A coin, which is valid currency in the country in which the redemption is performed, is designated for redemption. At the time of this writing, one penny is sufficient. (Note: in the unusual event that the produce is worth less than 17 cents , there are special requirements for the redemption coin, known as perutah chamurah, which are beyond the scope of this article.)

4) Teruma and ma’aser may not be separated on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

5) It should be noted that while reciting this formula, neither the produce nor the separated portion should be moved, since the formula refers to designated locations.

6) The following text is recited:

• The amount in the northernmost part of the separated portion which is greater than 1% of the total amount of the produce shall be Terumah Gedolah.
   

• The remaining part of the separated portion, plus an additional 9% on the northernmost side of the produce shall be Ma’aser Rishon.
   

• The part of the separated portion that was previously designated Ma’aser Rishon shall be Terumas Ma’aser.
   

• 10% of the remaining produce in the southern side shall be either Ma’aser Sheni or Ma’aser Oni, in accordance with the year of the shmittah cycle during which the produce was grown.
   

• If the 10% on the southern side is Ma’aser Sheni, it should be redeemed by transferring its kedushah, calculated at is value plus 25%, to the coin.
   

• If the produce is Neta Revai, it should be redeemed by transferring its kedusha, calculated at its value plus 25%, to the coin.

Alternatively, if one has difficulty with the full text or it is not available, this simplified text may be recited:

“All separations of Terumah and Ma’aser and redemptions of Ma’aser Sheni and Neta Revai shall be effected in accordance with the text of the Chazon Ish.”

7) The separated produce (the part which was more than 1%), and the designated coin are wrapped and discarded.

Note:
Last year, the OU arranged for the tithing of Agrexco tomatoes.  This arrangement is no longer in place for this year's crop. Currently, Clementines (suntinas) with the Tnuport Mehadrin label, are OU certified and teruma and ma'aser have been separated, when bearing the OU symbol.

We are pleased to advise the public that the following fresh herbs and vegetables are available from Alei-Katif in Israel. All items are under reliable Kosher supervision. They are insect free and terumah and maaser have been properly separated.

Fresh Herbs:
Parsley
Dill
Basil
Mint
Rosemary
Scallion
Baby Leaves
Cilantro

Peppers

Romaine / Romaine Hearts

These items are available in the five boroughs of New York City through J. R. Produce. You may reach the general manager, Josef Raz, at the following numbers:
(718) 370-8782 -Home
(917) 874-8765 - Beeper
(917) 560-3734 - Cell