According to the latest information released by Yosef Herman
of the American "Guide to Chodosh," the harvest of the new
grain crop in America this year has already begun 1-2 weeks
earlier than usual. According to the information gathered
about planting, even though Pesach was quite late in the
secular year, almost all of the crops in America were planted
too late to make them yoshon in the coming year.
According to the current estimates of the Guide, freshly-
baked goods such as breads, challahs, bagels and rolls
may be chodosh when purchased on or after August 15
(14 Av) in the Midwest U.S.A. and on or after September 1 (1
Elul) along the East and West coast. Packaged foods
containing spring wheat (other than pasta) may be chodosh
if packed on or after August 21, or purchased on or after
September 1. Pasta may be chodosh if packed on or
after September 15 (15 Elul) or purchased on or after October
1 (2 Tishrei - the second day of Rosh Hashana). Oats may be
chodosh if packed on or after October 1. According to the
Guide, this late date is based on the fact that many
companies have been using Canadian oats that are harvested
later. However, products using American oats may be chodosh
if packed as early as August 7 (6 Av!). The Guide suggests
that you should start buying your favorite oats foods now.
Barley may be chodosh if packed on or after October 1,
or purchased on or after October 15.
It should be stressed that these estimates are considered
preliminary and are based on the best available information
and the considerable experience of Yosef Herman, but they are
not final.
Those wishing to subscribe to the "Guide to Chodosh" may send
a check for U.S. $12 c/o Y. Herman, 20 Sylvan Road, Monsey,
NY 10952. The check should be made out to "Chodosh Project."
This price includes the initial issue of the Guide, the two
subsequent updated and revised issues, plus next year's
preseason Bulletin and any urgent mid season bulletins that
may arise.
The telephone Chodosh Hot Line is: 845-356-5743. To send a
fax: 845-356-5999. Messages can be left there and the answers
may be retrieved by phone at the same number usually the same
night after 11 p.m. local time. The e-mail address is:
yherman@earthlink.net. To join the chodosh e-mailing
list, send an e-mail message to chodosh-
subscribe@jif.org.il.
