UPDATED: Israeli Flowers being Sold in ShopRite; Statement from ShopRite

flowers2PHOTO: TLS has learned that Israeli flowers are being sold in the Howell ShopRite, and is an issue with Shmittah.

TLS spoke with a Lakewood Posek who said the flowers – assuming they’re from Israel, like fruits and vegetables, are not permitted to be used or keep around the home in a way that you will be deriving Ha’naah (pleasure) from it.

If you have already purchased the flowers, you may not simply throw them in the trash because it is considered being ‘Mafsid B’yodayim’. The Posek however offered two solutions.

Either you can double wrap the flowers and throw them out in the trash, or you can put them away in your home – such as in a bag or in a closet where you would not be deriving pleasure from it – and then throw it out once it becomes rotten.

ShopRite contacted TLS with the following statement:

“Actually, the Israeli Ruscus refers to the variety only and this particular plant’s seeds are from Texas and the product itself was grown in Mexico.”

[TLS]

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17 COMMENTS

  1. Are we sure these are actually grown in Israel? Israeli Ruscus is a type of flower; not necessarily grown there. Has anyone asked at Shoprite?

  2. how do i know if the flowers i bought at shop rite are indeed from israel? is the one shown above the only flower from there or were there others?

  3. Forgive my not understanding but why is having flowers in your home wrong? I would think God gave us flowers to enjoy, they are pretty. Sorry I don’t mean to offend I just don’t understand.

  4. Megan,

    On the contrary- on the approaching holiday there’s a custom to brighten the home with flowers and greenery.

    However, this year 5775 (Jewish calendar) is shmitta year (sabbatical) for growing produce and plants. During this year the land may not be worked. Also, the produce that grows has certain specifications on how to dispose of it. Therefore posing some challenges some people may not be aware of it.

    I hope I’ve answered your question.

  5. Please check this out. Israeli Ruscus is the name of the flower. It doesn’t mean it comes from Israel unless you know that as a fact. Just like French Toast or Italian Dressing or Italian Ices etc doesn’t mean they were made there.

  6. #6 Megan, there is absolutely nothing wrong with flowers for us we use them to beautify our homes constantly. The issue here is with these specific flowers it is a little complicated to explain in a comment section but if you meet an orthodox jew you can ask him to explain why we cant buy shmitah produce

  7. My brother is in shoprite now he spoke to manager of flower dep. She said its not from Israel its just its name she Aldo mentioned it couldn’t be so cheap if it came from Israel I’m not taking achrais but this is what my story is good luck!p.s its only greenary R’ Weisner said if it would be from Israel shouldn’t buy but if bought its OK since its not Flowers

  8. Megan there is nothing wrong with flowers in the home but there are restrictions placed on products grown in Israel due to its sanctified state

Comments are closed.