Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel
Gets Ready for Shnat HaShmittah by Publishing
“Shmittah 5768: A Practical Guide” in English

Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel (CYIR) has prepared a practical guide for this coming year's Shmittah cycle to assist the English speaking public. Originally written by Rabbi Moshe Rose (an Executive Board member of CYIR) and thoroughly revamped and updated for 5768 by Rabbi David Marcus, this booklet is a one of a kind publication, as it is the only practical, user friendly guide printed in English – with user friendly charts, detailed definitions of terms, and options available to observe shmittah in a proper Halachic manner.

“I’m excited about this publication” said Rabbi Marcus. “It will be useful for many, such as young adults from the Diaspora who will be studying in yeshivot, seminaries, and other educational programs; those visiting Israel throughout the year, those who have made Aliyah since the last shmittah cycle, and even those veteran Israelis searching for a practical handbook “

Rabbi Chaim Wasserman, CYIR Vice President, characterized the importance of the guide. “There are multiple ways of halachically dealing with the practical nitty-gritty of shmittah. We hope that the yeomen efforts of Rabbi David Marcus in writing and editing, and Rabbi Aaron Tirschwell in producing this guide will enable the user to decipher a complicated area of halachic observance that can seem so foreign even to those that have been raised or lived in Israel” he said. “We are also indebted to the National Council of Young Israel for its ongoing support and encouragement.”

The Guide is being made available for free to all those Diaspora students who plan to study in Israel in 5768. Others may purchase the guide for $18 in North America, or NIS 40 in Israel.

To order your copy of “Shmittah 5768: A Practical Guide”, contact:

In the US/Canada: National Council of Young Israel: 212.929.1525, ext 104

In Israel: Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel: 972.2.625.4983

Online: http://tinyurl.com/23lnbz

Established in 1990, the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel (CYIR) works to support and endorse activities and programs that confront the modern day challenges that Israeli communal rabbis face. CYIR focuses on bridging gaps and fostering networks among the factions within the greater Jewish community, heightening Jewish identity in Israel and the Diaspora, providing Rabbinic counseling for individuals in crisis, playing an instrumental role in helping Russian olim (immigrants to Israel) navigate through the obstacles of the Rabbinic Courts, intervening in divorce cases in which Jewish women are trapped in unwanted marriage,s and educating Israel's deaf and hearing impaired community on Jewish values and heritage.