Sefichin Harvested in the Seventh Year
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Question
Cucumbers that were pickled, and it turned out that by mistake sefichin were used, and they can last for several years. Is there a time when they are permitted?
Answer
If the cucumbers were harvested in the seventh year, they are forbidden forever. However, if they were harvested after the seventh year from what grew in the seventh year, once there is an eighth-year yield of cucumbers in the market, they are permitted, or alternatively, if Chanukah arrives even though there are still no eighth-year cucumbers, they are permitted. [Whichever comes first].
Source
Sefichin harvested in the seventh year, some are stringent and forbid them forever. Sefichin harvested after the seventh year are forbidden until similar produce is available, or after Chanukah even if similar produce is not available. See Rambam (Sheviit, Chapter 4, Halachot 6-7) and Raavad (ibid.). Also see Chazon Ish (Sheviit, Siman 9, Seif Katan 13, D.H. "Ve-ha de-mutarin"; Seif Katan 14, D.H. "Uve-hu") that even Rambam agrees with Raavad that what was harvested in the seventh year is forbidden forever. Azmera LeShimcha (Shmita, Issue 5).