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Trees of Third & Fourth Year

We have just planted some fruit trees. Vayikra tells us “when you come into the land…” not to eat the fruit for 3 years and 4th year for the priests. Since I am not in the land, and there are no cohen, when may I eat fruit? todah!!

Answer:

According to Torah law, as stated in the Talmud, the prohibition of orlah (fruit of the first three years) applies even outside the Land of Israel.

The prohibition of fruit of the fourth year does not apply outside the Land.

Sources: Talmud Bavli, Kiddushin 39; Rambam, Forbidden Foods Chap. 10; According to Tosafos, Berachos 35a, the prohibition of the fourth years applies even outside Israel, but it is limited to vines, and not to other trees.

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