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Of trees, plants and
mixtures
1. The prohibition
to graft trees of
different species in
effect even today.
This law does not
apply only to eretz
Yisroel but also in
other parts of the
world. It does not
apply to grafting
two
non-fruit-bearing
trees. It only is in
effect concerning
the actual grafting,
not cross planting.
Also the law of
cross breeding two
animals, birds, etc.
is also in effect
even today and also
not limited to Eretz
Yisroel. A not so
well known fact is
the opinion of most
authorities that a
non-Jew is also
restricted from
performing such
acts. The punishment
is not as severe as
the seven noachide
laws but nonetheless
is forbidden.
Therefore, it also
follows, that a Jew
cannot direct or
assist a non Jew in
such acts for it
constitutes “Lifne
Ever”.
2. The prohibition
of sowing various
species of seeds
together is
forbidden only in
Eretz Yisroel. The
Rabbonim did not
even impose a
Rabbinic restriction
outside of Eretz
Yisroel. The Torah
law only restricts
the actual sowing of
the seeds together.
The Rabbonim, as a
fence, restricted
planting in close
proximity. However,
they imposed this
only if the two
plants are close
enough to draw
nourishment from
each other and also
the visual
impression is one of
a mixture of plants.
Hence, one may even
plant two seeds in
one hole provided
they can be directed
to face different
directions and
thereby not give an
appearance of
mixture.
3. The Torah
prohibition of Kilei
Hakerem is more
severe. This is the
sowing together of
two diverse seeds
with a grape seed.
Unlike the previous
category of mixture,
this combination
results in the
product being
forbidden for human
benefit. Because of
this extra
stringency, the
Chazal also imposed
a Rabbinic
restriction outside
of Eretz Yisroel.
Even the placing of
a flowerpot in the
vicinity of a
vineyard could
possibly be
classified as an
infraction of this
rule.
4. During the first
three years of the
growth of a tree the
fruits produced are
forbidden for human
benefit. This rule
called Orla is in
effect even outside
of Eretz Yisroel.
The fruits of the
fourth year are
deemed sacred and
must be consumed in
Yerushalayim or
redeemed onto coins.
This is in effect
even today and a
proper bracha would
be recited. Outside
of Eretz Yisroel it
probably does not
take effect. The
Chochmas Odom does
suggest redeeming
the fourth year’s
growth of vines even
outside of Eretz
Yisroel, but without
reciting a brocha.
The fruits of Orla
outside of Eretz
Yisroel only pose a
problem when we are
sure of their
status, otherwise we
need not worry.
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