The seventh year, the shmita (sabbatical) year, is approaching. The country's major merchants are preparing: Here is a golden opportunity for organizing the mass sale of produce untouched by Jewish hands and "free of any fear of the violation of the laws governing the shmita year." Ultra-Orthodox bodies specializing in supervision of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) are mobilizing to encourage Israeli consumers to purchase agricultural produce only from non-Jews.

Israel's urban dwellers are scarcely aware of the struggle for survival of the small group of Jewish farmers in this country. Most Israelis see shmita as yet another Jewish dietary law and the sale of agricultural produce "free of any fear of the violation of the laws of shmita" as being similar to the sale of worm-free lettuce, fruits "free of any fear of the violation of the laws governing orla" (fruit of a tree in the first three years after planting; during that period its consumption is prohibited) and vegetables "free of any fear of the violation of the laws governing tevel" (untithed produce). Instead of becoming a formative commandment for Israeli society, shmita has become yet another area of Jewish observance that Jews loyal to God's commandments must be careful not to transgress.

This year, as in the past, and after investigating the situation of agriculture in this country, Israel's Chief Rabbinate is instructing Jewish farmers in Israel to sign deeds of sale for the lands they possess so that Jewish farming can continue in Israel. However, at the same time, the Rabbinate has informed the chief rabbis of Israeli cities that they are not bound by this instruction, thus enabling the ultra-Orthodox community to follow a line of conduct that zealously protects - and focuses exclusively on - the interests of ultra-Orthodox consumers. As a result, we find chief rabbis of cities issuing instructions forbidding restaurants and other establishments from using Israeli agricultural produce and requiring them to work only with suppliers importing foreign produce.