Holiness of the sabbatical year in aravos

Question

Is one allowed to commercially sell aravos (willow) that grew in a sabbatical year?

Answer

Arava does not acquire the holiness of the sabbatical year; therefore, one is allowed to sell aravos that grew during such a year. It’s forbidden to cut arava branches without their owner’s consent.

It’s important not to buy aravos which don’t have a certificate attesting that they weren’t cultivated on the sabbatical year in ways that are forbidden. Whoever buys aravos that were worked upon during this year is considered “aiding sinners in their sins”. 

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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeres
The Four Species