Zeraim

These are the individual tractates of Zeraim, the first order of the Mishna. These descriptions are not meant as Halachic decisions. Please consult an Orthodox Rabbi for specific information.

• Berachos – While this tractate is not directly relevant to the general theme of this order (agricultural laws), Berachos is, nevertheless, a good start-off tractate for the Talmud. It deals with the laws and philosophy of prayer and blessings, which is a central part of every Jews life.
• Peah – The laws requiring a Jewish farmer to leave parts of his crop for the poor.
• Demai – The status of produce about which it is questionable if proper tithes had been removed.
• Kilayim – The laws concerning forbidden mixtures (planting various crops in one field, plowing with work animals of different species, clothing containing both linen and wool).
• Shviis – The laws concerning the requirement for Jewish farmers in Israel to leave their fields unworked every seventh year.
• Trumos – The laws concerning those parts of Israeli produce that must be given to a Kohen (priest).
• Ma’asros – The laws of the tithes that must be given to a Levi.
• Ma’aser Sheni The laws of the secondary tithe that must be eaten only in Jerusalem (or redeemed with coins that are to be spent in Jerusalem).
• Challah – The the laws of the portion of dough that must be removed from baked goods and given to a Kohen.
• Arla – The prohibition of eating from the fruits of a tree in its first three years (and what the do with the fruits of the fourth year so they may be eaten).
• Bikurim – Describes the bringing of a farmer’s first fruits to Jerusalem (in the time of the Temple).