Fulfill Unique Mitzvos.
Support Israeli Farmers.
L’kayeim brings you the opportunity to partake in Mitzvos unique to the land of Israel by leasing a grapevine in the farm of a Torah observant farmer.
For centuries, the Jewish people have been fulfilling the commandments specific to those living in the Land of Israel.
For decades, shmitah-observant farmers, with the support of their brothers and sisters, have continued to honor these Mitzvos Hatelyos Ba’aretz with joy and fortitude.
Today, YOU can have the unique privilege of partaking in these holy, exclusive commandments, by leasing a grapevine, no matter where you live.
How it works
Visit the L'Kayeim website to lease a grapevine that lives in the soil of an observant farmer in Israel.
Receive a signed lease agreement with your plot information, a plot that is halachically registered under your name for the duration of your lease.
Rabbi Shaul Reichenberg shlit”a, leading expert in agricultural halacha in Israel, acts as your messenger in carrying out the Mitzvos Hateluyos Ba'aretz.
THE SEVEN MITZVOS
L'kayeim connects Jews around the world to both Israel's farmers and to the unique commandments of the land of Israel. By leasing a grapevine from a Shmitah observant farmer, you are partaking in the following seven Mitzvos, exclusive to the land of Israel:
Pe’ah
Farmers leave the corners of their vineyard unharvested as a gift for the needy. This helps ensure everyone in the Land has food.
SOURCE
וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
Vayikra 19:10
Peret
Grapes that fall during harvesting are left for the poor to gather, providing additional support for those in need.
SOURCE
וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
Vayikra 19:10
Olelos
Undeveloped grape clusters are left on the vine for the poor to pick, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
SOURCE
וכרמך לא תעולל ופרט כרמך לא תלקט לעני ולגר תעזב אתם אני ה אלקיכם
Vayikra 19:10
Terumah Gedolah
A small portion of the harvest is given to the Kohanim (priests) and maintaining the farmers’ connection to holiness.
SOURCE
ראשית דגנך תירשך ויצהרך וראשית גז צאנך תתן לו
Devarim 18:4
Ma’aser Rishon
Farmers give 10% of their remaining crops to the Levites.
SOURCE
כי את מעשר בני ישראל אשר ירימו לה' תרומה נתתי ללוים לנחלה על כן אמרתי להם בתוך בני ישראל לא ינחלו נחלה
Bamidbar 18:24
Terumas Ma’aser
The Levites, who receive 10% of the remaining crops (Ma'aser Rishon), give a tenth of that to the Kohanim, fulling the Levites obligation of supporting the Priests.
SOURCE
ואל הלוים תדבר ואמרת אלהם כי תקחו מאת בני ישראל את המעשר אשר נתתי לכם מאתם בנחלתכם והרמתם ממנו תרומת ה' מעשר מן המעשר
Bamidbar 18:26
Ma’aser Sheni
During years 1,2,4, and 5 of the Shmitah Cycle, Ma'aser Sheni is observed. In this case, farmers take 10% of their remaining produce and redeem them with a specific coin, this act transfers the sanctity from the crops to the coin, making the produce available for any use.
During years 3 and 6 of the Shmitah Cycle, Ma'aser Ani is observed, where a farmer donates 10% of their remaining produce the poor.
SOURCE
עשר תעשר את כל תבואת זרעך היצא השדה שנה שנה
Devarim 14:22
Leading Rabbonim and Poskim on L'Kayeim
Rabbi Shaul Reichenberg shlit”a, noted agricultural posek in Eretz Yisroel, will be overseeing the L’Kayeim initiative, ensuring that the mitzvos are kept in full compliance with halacha.
