Concerted efforts are now underway to prevent the planting of
ground cover along the new section of the Trans-Israel
Highway leading to Kiryat Gat, because such planting is
prohibited during the Shmittah year.
Trans-Israel Co. President Mr. Yehuda Cohen said the planting
is not primarily decorative but to strengthen the highway
infrastructure by spreading out on the ground. But since even
under such circumstances this type of landscape work is
forbidden, broad efforts are now being made to prevent the
planting.
In a conversation with Mr. Cohen, MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni said
he had looked into the matter and learned that alternative
measures, such as laying netting, can be used to strengthen
the road infrastructures without violating the laws of
Shmittah.
Following an inquiry by Yated Ne'eman the Chief
Rabbinate said it would examine the issue, but made no
promise to act strongly against the planned landscaping
work.
Rabbonim and public figures say that during the present
Shmittah year many municipalities and local councils are
showing a heightened awareness of the need to refrain from
planting trees and shrubs, following efforts by the rabbonim
from the Beis Medrash Lehalochoh Behisyashvus well in advance
of the onset of the Shmittah year. But in the case of the
Trans-Israel Highway the project does not fall under the
responsibility of any local council and therefore extra
efforts have to be made to prevent the desecration of the
Shmittah year.
