A Shmita Solution

With all the controversy surrounding the buying of vegetables during shmita (heter mechira – selling the Land to non Jews or buying from Jewish companies that in turn buy from arabs, the same arabs who we've been at war with for many years); I have the perfect solution: "Alim Yerukim L'mahadrin" grown by Gush Katif expellee Yosef Y'mini, and marketed by Yerok L'mahadrin Ltd. (tel. 02-6541477/8).

"Alim Yerukim L'mahadrin," with the kosher certification of Rabanut Yerushalyim (recognized by both hareidim and religious Zionists) grows the entire range of quality insect-free, green leafy vegetables in a specially designed greenhouse south of Ashkelon without the use of arab labor and no labor on Shabbat.

The floor of the greenhouse has a double layer of nylon on top of which the vegetables are grown in pots. This recognized method of shmita growing is called minutak in Hebrew. Additionally, the walls of the greenhouse are composed of one and half meters high of nylon and a special "bio-net" fine mesh netting which prevent the entrance of insects from outside the greenhouse. The greenhouse has double door entrances to further prevent insects from entering. The grower, Yosef Y'mini has some 20 years experience in growing insect free vegetables and employs both an agronomist and full-time mashgiach, both with many years of experience in growing insect-free vegetables.

Why don't all such companies grow vegetables using this minutak method during shmita? The start-up costs are high as the farmer has to purchase well over 100,000 pots, nylon floor coverings and other special equipment. One other reason to buy this product – I'm the mashgiach and I take my job of checking for insect infestation very seriously. When you call the marketer, ask to speak to Aharon or Moshe and tell them Yosef Shomron sent you.


Yosef Shomron – formerly of Neve Dekalim, Gush Katif