Permitted Uses of Shemitah Produce
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Question
Q. Is it permitted only to eat Shemitah produce, or are there other uses that are allowed as well?
Answer
A. Shemitah produce is permitted not only for eating but also for other forms of benefit that serve a person’s needs, provided that two conditions are met: First, that the enjoyment and the consumption (of the produce) occur simultaneously, and second, that this type of benefit is suitable for everyone.
The first condition — that “its enjoyment and its consumption are simultaneous” — comes to exclude using Shemitah produce for laundering, such as using a lemon to remove stains. In such a case, the benefit is the clean garment, while the fruit has already been used up beforehand.
The second condition — that this benefit is suitable for everyone — comes to exclude medicinal use, which is not relevant or necessary for every person in the same way.
Source
Sukkah 40; Bava Kamma 102; Rambam, Hilchot Shemitah VeYovel 5:1, 11; Azmera Lishmecha (Shemitah, issue 3).
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