QUESTION: Is it true that there are certain commandments in Judaism that only apply in Israel?
ANSWER: That is absolutely correct. One such commandment deals with the Laws of Shmita or the Sabbatical Laws. Our Bible commands us that every seventh year the land should not be worked and nothing grown in the soil in the land of Israel. That has been proven scientifically many years later to be extremely helpful to the health and well-being of the soil. This creates a very complicated situation in Israel. It has led to the development of hydro agricultural or the growing of plants and fruit products in water. There are other intricate solutions that the rabbis have developed, especially since 1948, so that the agricultural system of Israel can function despite the Sabbatical year.
When one visits Israel during the Shmita year one will see signs in most markets saying that the fruits and vegetables that one is purchasing are in the accordance with the Laws of the Sabbatical year. Also one can buy fruits and vegetables from non-Jewish sources where the law does not apply. In general, in Jerusalem the Sabbatical Laws are normally observed and in most markets that is all one will see. In Tel Aviv and Haifa and other less observant areas one has to watch for signage about the Sabbatical year.
Another Israel-only law is that when one moves into a new home or apartment, one has literally 24 hours to put a mezuzah on the doors of one’s home or apartment. Outside of Israel one has a full month to mount mezuzot on the doors of one’s home or apartment. The Torah is very specific about putting a mezuzah on one’s home immediately if one lives in the land of Israel.
Another law that applies generally speaking only in Israel is the building of railings around the roofs of one’s home, especially if it is a flat roof and it is being used for other purposes other than just topping off your home. In Israel, a lot of roofs are used for growing of plants and hanging of laundry, etc.
As I am writing this article I am in New York City and I am looking across the street and see all sorts of gardens on the roofs of the homes here in Manhattan. In Israel in particular there is a law that one must build a railing around one’s roof if it is going to be used for any purpose, so as to protect the safety of those on the roof from a possible fall.
Another law that we observe outside of Israel, but more strongly observed in Israel, are some of the laws related to the baking of challah. I am going to devote an entire column to the history of challah and the laws of baking challah in the near future.
