The Jewish people were not going to be in the Land of Israel for another 40 years. Why the urgency?

The most recent Hakhel event was in 2015, so the next one takes place in 2022.

The central theme of this week's Torah portion is that of the Sabbatical year, known as "Shemitta". Every seven years the land of Israel must lay dormant -- no agricultural work may be performed on the land. Right to this very day, the rules of Shemitta are observed and many Jewish farmers do not plant, prune, or even harvest. After seven Shemitta years -fifty years in total - was the "Yovel" - the Jubilee year.

The New Year for Trees has arrived! Share in the blessing of the Sabbatical Year by sponsoring fruit trees that will be planted by observant Israeli farmers as soon as permitted by Jewish law.

Indeed, one of the most powerful hallmarks of a group’s indigeneity is a strong tie to its collective homeland and its ability to maintain traditions in a changing world.

What is the significance of a sabbatical year for agriculture?

Plant Fruit Trees for Israeli farmers before Shmita begins. Share in the blessing of the Sabbatical Year!

An ancient Hebrew inscription dug up in one of the hottest areas in the Middle East is providing insight as to whether the residents kept the Jewish Sabbatical year.

In Israel, every seventh year is supposed to be a sabbath year when farmers don’t raise crops. It’s a great rest for the fields, but a huge test of faith.

Rabbi Enkin presents an inside look at the Sabbatical year, when plowing, planting, pruning and harvesting are forbidden.

There is no question that observance of the Sabbatical year is a big test of faith for farmers within the biblical borders of the Land of Israel.

Prominence isn't everything. Very often it's the quiet 'little guy' who is the greater person.

In outright defiance of boycott threats, an Israeli winery based in the Golan Heights is proudly displaying its flag on the wine it exports to Europe.

Unless consumers on the international market step in, farmers in Israel stand to lose over 50 percent in profits from the annual sale of the four species used for ritual purposes during the holidays.

As Shmita (Sabbatical Year) comes to an end, be among the the first to plant the First Fruits of Israel. Order and plant your fruit trees today!

Here's a great way to celebrate Tu B’Shvat – Israel’s New Year for Trees. Order and plant your fruit trees in Israel today!

As Shmita (Sabbatical Year) comes to an end, be among the the first to plant the First Fruits of Israel. Order and plant your fruit trees today!

Some of the Torah’s laws only apply to Jews living in the Land of Israel, including the areas of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria that are a part of biblical – and future – Israel.

The year of Shmita, the Sabbatical Year for the Land of Israel, began on September 25, 2014. Rabbi Ari Enkin offers some insight into the topic from our holy sages.

The Sabbatical Year (Shmita) in Israel is finally here... But can a modern nation disregard their fields for an entire year? Observing the laws of shmita is a test of faith and an opportunity to reaffirm one's commitment to God.

The JNF is quickly working ahead of the Shmita year to rehabilitate the green landscape surrounding Gaza, which was heavily damaged by Hamas rocket fire.

As Hamas was shooting thousands of missiles upon southern Israel last month, brave Israeli farmers planted thousands of fruit trees in advance of the upcoming Sabbatical year.

God can make you rich or poor. A person who believes that God is truly in control has no reason to cheat his fellow man in order to make an undeserved profit.

Observing the laws of Shmita demonstrates the understanding that nothing truly belongs to us. Even the land that one owns and cultivates belongs to God.

As the Rabbinic Director of United with Israel, I am honored to share beautiful Torah messages from Israel with you each week. This week I have a special request to make from you. Please read on...

Israel's New Year for Trees has begun! Now is the right time to start planting Fruit Trees in the Land of Israel. Watch your trees of Israel blossom into magnificent expressions of bounty and beauty. Show your love for the Land of Israel and PLANT FRUIT TREES TODAY!