Time for Making a Prozbul
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
When is a Prozbul made: at the beginning of the Shemitah year, at the end, or both?
Answer
On the eve of Rosh Hashanah at the end of the Shemitah year, it is also advisable to do it on the eve of Rosh Hashanah at the beginning of the year, see the source.
Source
According to Halacha (Choshen Mishpat, Siman 67, Se'if 30), following the opinion of most Rishonim, the Shemitah year cancels debts at its end, and there is no need to make a Prozbul until the end of the Shemitah year. However, the Acharonim (Tumim, Siman 67, Se'if Katan 26; Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Laws of Lending, Siman 36) write that it is good to consider the opinion of the Rosh (Gittin, Chapter 4, Se'if 20), who holds that the prohibition of collection begins at the start of the Shemitah year, but during the Shemitah year, if the borrower repays the debt on their own, the lender is allowed to accept it and does not need to say "I cancel." [And the wording of the Shulchan Aruch HaRav there is that "initially, one should make a Prozbul on the eve of Rosh Hashanah," and the wording of the Tumim there is that "one should be stringent to make a Prozbul, and a God-fearing person will fulfill all opinions"]. Another reason it is good to make a Prozbul before Rosh Hashanah of the Shemitah year is that some of the Rishonim hold that the Shemitah year is one year earlier than the time accepted according to the modern calendar, and although this is not the Halacha, regarding the cancellation of debts, which is a monetary matter, if the borrower claims so, it might not be possible to extract the money from them.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission

Your Weekly Torah Connection
Add meaning to your week with:
- Top halachic Q&A
- Practical festival halachot