ויקרא, פרק י״ט, פסוק כ״ד

The harvest of a tree’s fourth year serves as a profound transition in agricultural life. After three years of refraining from the crop, this period trains a person in self-control and elevates physical pleasure into a spiritual act of serving God. It instills the recognition that all agricultural success stems directly from His blessing [רש ר הירש, רלב״ג]. To consume the produce immediately without this period of restraint is viewed as an act of gluttony and cruelty [חזקוני].

The calculation of this fourth year is based on the universal calendar, which begins in the month of Tishrei. Even if a tree is planted a mere thirty days before the new year, that brief period counts as a complete year in the lifespan of the tree [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו]. When the fourth year arrives, a unique sanctity applies to the entirety of the yield. This includes even unripe produce. Furthermore, unlike in ordinary years where fallen produce or sparse clusters are left for the poor, during this specific year all such fruits are absorbed into the sacred status of the crop [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו].

The primary approach among commentators is that these fruits belong to the landowners, who are obligated to eat them [רלב״ג, פרדס יוסף, פירושי רד צ הופמן]. However, a minority view suggests that the harvest is given to the priest to consume [אבן עזרא]. Although the crop is designated as holy, this does not imply an absolute restriction that forbids all enjoyment. Rather, it is a purposeful sanctity intended for human consumption within a deeply spiritual atmosphere [מלבי״ם, רש ר הירש, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The regulations governing this fourth-year produce are identical to those of the Second Tithe. The fruit must be brought to Jerusalem and eaten within the city walls in a state of purity and joy. Because of this required joy, a person in a state of active mourning is forbidden from eating it [תורה תמימה]. If transporting the actual crop is impractical, the owner may redeem the fruit with money by adding a fifth to its value. This money is then taken to Jerusalem to purchase food. Additionally, this produce is subject to the strict laws of removal in specific years [רש״י, רשב״ם, מזרחי].

The overarching theme of this fourth year is praise. The harvest is brought to Jerusalem specifically to praise and thank God for His abundant goodness [רש״י, רשב״ם, רלב״ג]. Because this praise is closely associated with song, some commentators maintain that these laws apply exclusively to vineyards, as wine is the only offering accompanied by song in the Temple [מזרחי, תורה תמימה, פירושי רד צ הופמן]. Beyond expressions of gratitude, this theme is deeply connected to the mechanics of redemption, allowing the sacred fruit to be exchanged for money and eaten outside the holy city [מזרחי, תורה תמימה, הכתב והקבלה]. Finally, this concept underscores the universal obligation to recite a blessing. Just as redeeming the fruit permits it for consumption, reciting a blessing before and after eating permits a person to derive pleasure from the physical world. Enjoying the world without acknowledging its Creator is forbidden, and the act of blessing itself draws down further abundance upon the produce of the land [מלבי״ם, העמק דבר, אדרת אליהו].