Yashan; Fruit Trees

Richard B. Aiken

YASHAN

Introduction to Yashan

Only yashan grain should be used. Yashan means one of the Five Grains that was planted at least three days before Passover and has now passed the first day of chol ha'moed of Passover.  Grain planted after one Passover that has not passed the first day of chol ha'moed of the following Passover is known as “chadash.”

Grains Subject to Yashan

Wheat, barley, oats, rye, and spelt are subject to yashan.

Where Yashan Applies

Yashan applies to grain grown anywhere in the world.

NOTE: Although yashan is from the Torah, some people outside of Eretz Yisrael are lenient about yashan with regard to grain that was grown outside of Eretz Yisrael.

When Grain Becomes Yashan

You may use grain as “yashan” after the first day of chol ha'moed Passover.  "After" means the third day of Passover in Eretz Yisrael and the fourth day outside of Eretz Yisrael.

Yashan and Matza

Matza is normally made from winter wheat and so does not normally have a question of being chadash.

FRUIT TREES: SPECIAL LAWS

When To Say Blessing over New Fruit Blossoms

The first time each year that you see blossoms on an edible-fruit tree, say the blessing “shelo chisar ba'olamo davar….” It may be anytime throughout the year, not only in Nisan. If you live in a region in which fruit trees blossom all year round, you should say “shelo chisar”... in Nisan after you see some new blossoms.

NOTE: You may say the blessing on a single tree, even though the blessing says “trees” (plural).

Laws on Removal of Fruit Tree

You may not remove a fruit tree that is still producing fruit, even

  • For lumber,
  • If the tree is diseased,
  • If a replacement tree would yield more fruit.

EXCEPTION: A fruit tree may be uprooted or cut down if it is not producing at least 46 oz. (2 lbs., 14 oz.--about 1.3 kg) of fruit each year.

Removal of Productive Fruit Tree

To remove from your property a fruit tree that produces at least 46 oz. of fruit each year, you must sell the tree to a non-Jew. The non-Jew may then remove it.

Copyright 2015 Richard B. Aiken. Halacha L’Maaseh appears courtesy of www.practicalhalacha.com Visit their website for more information.