How is Agudat Shmita's Halachic-Legally Binding Solution Different From all Other Shmita Options Offered?
Is the land completely owned, or is it leased?
In Agudat Shmita
Definitely- the land is privately owned, with complete, full ownership.
Other Organizations
No real sale or ownership:
- Rental (Rental is not considered halachic ownership)
- Sale of land from the ILA (Israel Land Authority)- and since land from the ILA is actually a long-term lease, its halachic status is that of a rental and not a sale.
What is the exact location of the land designated for fulfilling Shmita?
In Agudat Shmita
Block 17353 Plot 37
Each registree receives a map with field arrival instructions.
Other Organizations
It is unknown if there is a specific land plot.
Does each purchaser receive a specific land unit?
In Agudat Shmita
Each purchaser receives a specific land unit, divided into amos by a professional land surveyor. Each purchaser also receives the complete land survey, so that he can find the location of the specific land unit he purchased
Other Organizations
It is unknown whether there is a specific location given to each purchaser, or if it’s everyone together.
Is the land registered under the purchaser's name in Israel's Land Registry Bureau (טאבו)?
In Agudat Shmita
Of course! Agudat Shmita, as trustee, registers each purchaser and reports each and every individual’s name to the land registration office using the relevant trustee documents and signing them- thus making it a real, legally binding kinyan.
Other Organizations
It is unknown whether there is any registration in Israel’s Land Registry Bureau, or registration of the purchaser as owner. Therefore, it is a halachic kinyan only, without legal validity.
Does every individual have agricultural crops growing in his land unit- so that he can fulfill the mitzvah of "Venatashta" (and you shall abandon it)?
In Agudat Shmita
Each registree is guaranteed that agricultural crops are being currently grown in his land unit, so that he will be able to fulfill the mitzvah of “Venatashta”.
Other Organizations
It is unknown whether there is a specific land unit, and there is no guarantee that agricultural crops are being grown there in order to be made hefker and fulfill the mitzvah, on the specific area belonging to each registree.
How many years has Agudat Shmita been active?
In Agudat Shmita
Agudat Shmita was the first to initiate this unique plan on the eve of the 5768 Shmita year; thus, they have the experience and knowledge necessary to be mezakeh Gedolei Yisroel and thousands of Jews in the mitzvah of Shmita, behiddur.
Other Organizations
Unknown
What kind of halachic guidance does Agudat Shmita have, and who is the address to any and all halachic questions that may arise?
In Agudat Shmita
Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, shlita, Rav of western Bnei Brak has been guiding and continues to closely guide Agudat Shmita, now for the third Shmita in a row. He is involved in all the aguda’s activities and answers their halachic questions in all areas of Shmita.
From the manner the kinyan is performed, the shtaros, the guidelines regarding growing the crops and related matters, to supervision during the Shmita- making sure the land is not being worked on or cultivated, Rav Stern closely guides all halachic matters of the Aguda.
Other Organizations
Unknown
Is Agudat Shmita supervised by a lawyer, certifying all documents and dealing with the legal aspects?
In Agudat Shmita
Agudat Shmita is supervised by Moshe Morgenstern, Adv, who is responsible for all legal aspects of the organization.
Other Organizations
Unknown
Isn't it enough to financially assist the farmers, and thereby be a 'partner' with them in their mitzvah?
In Agudat Shmita
Just like being a partner in Torah learning- by supporting those who learn, known as the ‘Yissachar and Zevulun partnership’, of course it is important that the supporter of Torah also learn Torah himself, and should not only rely on the partnership.
Accordingly, regarding Shmita, one can support the farmers, and as Rav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteineman zatzal said, regarding the greatness of this matter, that one who supports the farmers, “has the merit that he helps to fulfill the mitzvah of Shmita.”
However, in order to fulfill the mitzvah himself, there is no doubt that one should purchase one’s own farmland.
Other Organizations
Gedolei Yisroel have supported the Keren Hashvi’is organization, headed by Rav Y.Y. Mendelson shlita, responsible to financially support the farmers, and all who donate tzedaka to the farmers through this organization, will receive very great sachar!
And each Yid to whom the mitzvah of Shmita is dear to him, will certainly see it fit to assist the farmers in performing the mitzvah (Like Zevulun), and of course to also perform the mitzvah himself (Like Yissachar).