Fruits Grown in the Yard
Question
I received a bag of mangoes from a friend who does not observe Torah commandments that he grew in his yard. What is their status? (Tithes, Sabbatical year, Orlah)
Answer
Shalom!
A. Regarding the Sabbatical year. At this time, there is no need to worry about the Sabbatical year. The fruits that are currently being picked, in the summer of the eighth year (that is, the first years of the next cycle), grew in the winter of the eighth year.
B. Regarding tithes. One should separate Terumot and Maasrot, while treating this fruit as certain Tevel (produce, from which the gifts were not separated). You should recite a blessing on this separation. You can listen to the instructions and the wording of the separation on the hotline of the Beis Horoe - 0733260800 at extension 46.
C. Regarding Orlah (fruit from a tree that is less than 3 years old): you should ask your friend if he planted the tree in the last three years. Even a large tree may be Orlah if it was moved from place to place. If it is impossible to ask, you can rely on the fact that there is only a small minority of Orlah fruit of this kind.