Yoshon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yoshon is a concept within Kashrut, the dietary regulations of Judaism. The word Yoshon literally means "old" and refers to the prohibition contained in the Torah (Leviticus 23:14) of eating from the new crops of certain grains (Chodosh) before the Omer offering from the new harvest was brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. This marked the beginning of Sefirat Ha'omer. This prohibition only applied to the five classical grains of Judaism: Wheat, Barley, Oats, Spelt and Rye. Since there is no Omer offering in post-Temple times, the second day of Passover itself marks the end of the prohibition against eating from the new grains.

Those scrupulous in their observance of Torah prohibitions are careful to eat those products made of only Yoshon grains. Yoshon means ‘old’. Chodosh or “new grains,” are those grains which have not been in existence to see a Passover.

Grains from the 5 categories, namely: wheat, oats barley, rye and spelt, are considered Chodosh, or ‘new,’ unless they were already in existence at the time of the Omer sacrifice in Jerusalem’s holy temple [הבית המקדש]. This sacrifice is made annually on the second day of the Passover [Pesach] holiday celebration.

Therefore, grains planted or harvested after Passover may only be used the following year. Foods made from flour of ‘new’ grain may not be used in the production of food acceptable to those careful about following the rules specified in the Torah. Only ‘old’ grain may be used.

Since the destruction of the second temple in 70AD, the Omer sacrifice has not been brought, and observance of this rule has in great measure lapsed. At least one major opinion about this rule restricts its application to grains grown in biblical Israel. Since the exile of Jews from their ancestral land, this together with other exceptions to the Chodosh and Yoshon law has been relied upon in nearly unanimous fashion, at least in Ashkenazic circles. The essential nature of flour-based foods such as bread has made such observance at best difficult; however, those particularly careful about their religious observances have for centuries been sensitive to this rule and adhered to its tenets.

The Torah (Leviticus: 23:14) prohibits eating grains that are “new.” Grains which have already been harvested are no longer “new” after the Passover celebration has passed. Grains which have not yet been harvested, but which are already mature are considered in the same category.

Observance of Yoshon and Chodosh has been relatively limited until very recently because in Europe, and other places, kosher food was scarce to begin with, people were not able to be even more stringent on their diets. However, in America, thanks to the vast production of the American bread basket and our general prosperity, grain is in sufficient abundance that the situation allows people to be interested in following this commandment.

The practice of stamping production dates on every package revolutionized the practice of Yoshon. Due to efficient packaging, most products can be dated accurately. Kashrut organizations are adjusting to utilize this new accurate information. A novel issue has developed - how much "effort and difficulty" is involved in acquiring and applying the information.

Yoshon foods might be a indicated on its packaging. To find out where to obtain local Yoshon products, you can either look online for a list of approved foods or contact your local Rabbi.

The main source of information on yoshon in the USA & other countries is a publication called A Guide To Chodosh.

For Information on how to order this guide or for other questions about yoshon call the Chodosh Hot Line 845-356-5743 24hrs a day.