During the past two months, hundreds of shmittah
observant farmers have joined a special network of botei
medrash and kollelim founded especially for them
by the Keren Hashevi'is of the Nationwide Center for
Shmittah Observant Farmers. These unique kollelim are
functioning within the framework of the Halichos Ho'oretz
Institute for the Observance of Mitzvos in the Farming
Settlements.
The setting up of this network of kollelim is a
unique innovation, instituted during the shmittah
year of 5747 at the initiative of the Nationwide Center of
Shmittah Observant Farmers, following many requests on the
part of farmers.
The network is named after HaRav Nochum Yoel Halperin, who
was the loyal trustee of Keren Hashevi'is for many years,
and who donated his own assets to the fund. Following this
tradition, in 5747, his sons and family decided to donate a
sizable sum to the setting up of special shmittah
kollelim, a tradition they have continued this
shmittah year.
In these special kollelim, the farmers realize the
aim of the shmittah year in its fullest sense,
devoting their time to Torah study, especially to study of
the laws of shmittah and other land-related laws.
They also attend shiurim on the parsha and
lectures on mussar and aggodo.
The first stipends were recently transferred to the
kollel members. These stipends were made available by
the Halperin family.
The Keren Hashevi'is relates that hundreds of additional
farmers would like to join these kollelim. This can
be possible only if the community responds appropriately to
the call of maranan verabonon the gedolei
hador, who have instructed Jews everywhere to be loyal
partners to the shmittah observant farmers by
contributing generously to Keren Hashevi'is.
