Shmita

Most agrarian societies practice crop rotation, including letting land lie fallow for a period of time to let it "regenerate". Jews are divinely commanded to do so in the Land of Israel every seven years, and at the same time commanded to forgive debts. We discuss the connection between these two aspects of shmita, and their agricultural and social benefits. We also explore terms like heter mechira and see how food policy, consumerism, and international relations join with halacha in determining shmita observance in the State of Israel.