[Avodah] buying Israeli produce

[Rich, Joel]

<<Given this, I fail to see that there is any "special mitzva" attached to buying Israeli produce.  Furthermore, one is not avoiding doing a mitzvah by not purchasing them.>>

On a slightly different topc RSZA opposed the idea of avoiding shemitta problems by buying fruits and vegetables imported into EY. He indeed felt there was a mitzva to observe shmitta even though it is rabbinic and one should not seek to avoid keeping the mitzvah. This is in addition to the motzvah of helping those farmers that keep shemitta and sell through some otzer bet din.
I would imagine that he would say the same for terumot and maaserot even though they are rabbinic.
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IMHO this is part of a greater macro issue - R'YBS IIRC in Chamesh drashot speaks of a 14th principle (it sticks in my mind because iirc elsewhere he speaks against catechisms) that the Torah can be observed in all times and places (iirc without separatism or withdrawal). 

KT
Joel Rich
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