Dear Kosher Spirit,
I just saw your Tishrei issue in The Jewish Press and saw the article on shmitta and Moshav Komemiyus by Maayan Meir. Very nice, but you know, Komemiyus was established in 1950, and is not the only place observing shmitta since its inception.
Kibbutz Chafetz Chayim was established first in 1936 and resettled in 1944. The Chazon Ish went to the kibbutz to establish shmitta practices and even sent a ‘haskama’ that they were doing it properly. They also set up a hydroponic research facility. Yet, interestingly, I never see Chafetz Chayim mentioned as an example of shmitta observance. I have to wonder why that is.
With all due respect to Komemiyus, it would be nice if somewhere along the line, places other than Komemiyus were acknowledged.
Kosher Spirit responds:
Thank you so much for brining Kibbutz Chofetz Chayim to our attention. It’s always great to hear about other communities adhering to the laws of shmitta.
Dear Kosher Spirit,
Thank you for your wonderful publication. I really enjoy reading it. I was wondering where is the source of the pshat Rabbi Fogelman wrote explaining the reason why the farmer is penalized a whole year. It is a very nice vort, and I was wondering if it was his own suggestion, or if perhaps he is quoting from somewhere.
Thank you,
Chaim
Kosher Spirit responds:
Rabbi Fogelman does not recall the source of this vort.