For 70 years, Keren Hashviis has been providing farmers with the educational and financial assistance needed to commit to the sacred mitzvah of shemitah. Keren Hashviis is supporting 3,500 farmers on 51% of the privately owned farms in Israel. But even with the organization’s massive fundraising goals, the Keren Hashviis stipends only cover 45% of the farmer’s expenses. This is money that goes toward paying the lease on the farmer’s land, the lease of farm equipment, the mortgage he may have on his home, and some household expenses.
With additional funding, Keren Hashviis will be able to give farmers more money to make keeping shemitah less difficult.