Although Halichos Sodeh is a top journal on the
mitzvas tied to Eretz Yisroel, the monthly has a very modest
distribution. But Torah scholars engaged in these
sugyos know that the journal, published by the
Institute for Research on Torah-Based Agriculture, contains a
hidden treasure of chidushim. The current edition,
Vol. 149, is no exception.
This month's Halichos Sodeh contains a shiur
that HaRav Yosef Efrati gave at the last workshop held at the
Beis Medrash on the obligation to separate terumos
uma'asros even from products with kashrus supervision
— including the best hechsherim. Even those who
heard the shiur live will find important additions,
along with the reactions of several talmidei
chachomim.
According to HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, as presented by HaRav A.
Roth on the pages of the journal, Maran HaRav Eliashiv
shlita holds every ben Torah should separate
terumos uma'asros from every product that enters his
home, even if it carries top halachic certification.
The editor, HaRav Elyokim Schlanger, also presents a
scientific article on the diameter of olive pits in Eretz
Yisroel. However the entire point of the article is to
present the question of whether, as a result of the large
average size of modern olive pits, one should not be
choshesh lechumro for a smaller weight and volume than
accepted for a kezayis. The question was presented to
the gedolei haposkim shlita.
This month's edition also presents updated orlah
figures on summer fruits.
The appearance of the latest edition of Halichos Sodeh
was welcomed by the halochoh world, particularly those
studying the mitzvas dependent on Eretz Yisroel, who
were especially glad to see the Institute continue its holy
work — in spite of suffering from rumors and
accusations against it by certain unsavory characters —
and are eagerly anticipating the dedication ceremony for the
Beis Medrash Lehalochoh Behisyashvus in Jerusalem near the
Har Nof neighborhood.
