From the time of the inception of “Keren Hasheviis”, which gives aid to the valiant farmers who accepted upon themselves to keep Shemittah according to halacha, the board members of the Keren are in constant contact with and receive advice from gedolei Torah, including Harav Hagaon R’Y.S. Elyashiv Shlit“a, Harav A.L. Shteinman Shlit”a, Harav S. Vosner Shlit“a, and Harav C. Kanievsky Shlit”a.

In the meetings that took place between the board members of the Keren, clear criterion were established regarding the Keren’s support of the Shomrei Shemittah farmers. These criterion were established after long debate and many on-site inspections , regarding the types and sizes of the fields, the type of crops, rental costs of the fields and the financial standing of each farmer.

In order for the monies to be distributed in the optimal fashion, a special beis din was appointed for this purpose, with the guidance of gedolei yisrael, which will decide regarding all the questions that arose in the activity during the year before Shemittah. The beis din will also make decisions regarding specific needs and circumstances that arise which require more individualized attention.

The special beis din is headed by R’ N. Karelitz, Shlit”a. This week, in his home, a lengthy diyun took place. Appearing before the rabbanim, Shlit”a, were representatives of the “Keren Hasheviis”, Rav Ben Zion Kugler and Rav Avraham Rubenstein, and the national coordinator of the “National Center of Shomrei Sheviis Farmers”, Rav Reuven Miller. They presented before the rabbanim a lengthy and detailed explanation of the matters deliberated by the board of “Keren Hasheviis”. A variety of questions arose, primarily regarding the very specific and individual cases which the Keren comes across, including the farmers who are in harsh economic straits. The rabbanim are scheduled to reassemble in the near future to make decisions regarding the various issues that arose.