After HaRav Nissim Karelitz was released from the hospital last week, boruch Hashem, he convened in his home a group of the heads and administrators of the Dvar HaShemitta Institute, over which he presides. They sought his blessing for the launching of intensified widespread study of the Shmittah laws amongst the bnei Torah public.
The heads of the institute reviewed with him the various activities being carried on already these days in anticipation of the upcoming Shmittah year, to intensify the study of the pertinent laws in all yeshiva halls and kollelim.
HaRav Karelitz duly encouraged and blessed them, stating, "We must realize that the commandment of Shmittah relates to every single person in a practical way, and we must therefore establish set times to study its laws. If our poskim warned that one must review those mitzvos which apply to us on an ongoing daily basis since they cannot be properly executed without constant study, then surely the laws of Shmittah, which apply only once every seven years, must be studied throughout the year. Even yeshiva students should establish a set time to study these laws since it also applies to them personally."
He added that yeshiva students should, as a rule, set aside at least fifteen minutes a day for the study of Halacha.
