Stipends to the tune of five million NIS were transferred
last month to the thousands of farmers who observe
shmittah according to halocho. Since the
beginning of the current shmittah, these giborei
koach have let their lands, fields and vineyards lie
fallow. The farmers are united in the framework of the
Nationwide Center for Shmittah Observing Farmers founded by
HaRav Binyomin Mendelsohn zt"l, the previous
ga'avad of Kommemiyus.
The Keren Hashevi'is Subsidy Committee is headed by Rabbi
Reuven Winderbaum. Committee members include HaRav Yissochor
Dov Lederman, Rabbi Benzion Kugler, Rabbi Gavriel
Morgenstern, Rabbi Moshe Hess, Rabbi Naftoli Yaakovson and
Rabbi Refoel Hoffman. The Committee recently held meetings
to formulate criteria for distribution of the subsidies. The
amount of the subsidies are determined in accordance with
the following criteria: a) how many dunams of land are lying
uncultivated; b) the types of crops; c) the overall amount
of crops produced in the years preceding the current
shmittah.
Rabbi Yosef Guttman offers professional advice to the
committee and maintains regular contact with the Nationwide
Center of Shmittah Observing Farmers coordinators. The
coordinators keep in constant touch with the thousands of
farmers who have taken upon themselves to observe
shmittah, offering guidance and advice. They also
supervise the farmers' lands throughout the year to see that
shmittah is indeed being observed according to the
halachic demands as determined by HaRav Menachem
Mendel Mendelsohn, the rav of Kommemiyus.
It is important to stress that the subsidies to each farmer
from community contributions do not pretend to fully
compensate him for his lost income. However although these
subsidies are very basic, they help the farmers, encouraging
them to continue their courageous observance of
shmittah despite all of the incumbent hardships. When
the farmers feel that the community understands their
difficulties and actively shares their burden, they are
encouraged.
The Keren Hashevi'is administration stresses that despite
the encouraging communal response to appeals by the
gedolei Yisroel from all circles, who have entreated
us to support generously Keren Hashevi'is, the amounts given
until now do not come close to meeting the true needs of the
thousands of farmers in hundreds of settlements that are
letting their land lie fallow for a year and even more.
These farmers await communal support. The community must be
a genuine partner in this unique mitzvah of letting the land
rest. This mitzvah is incumbent on each and every Jew.
