Halacha:

Shemittah 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Forgiving Debt During The Shmitah Year

Description

When were the takkanos (decrees) of shmitas k'safim (forgiving debts) and pruzbul (loan retention documents) established? Were they from the Torah or the Rabbanan? The default view - takkanos were established by Ezra Ha'sofer (the scribe). A divergent view: the takkanos were planned, but not put into force, before the destruction of the Holy Temple. When do we execute the Pruzbul? Up to what point can the lender accept the money? The accepted opinion: the lender can go after the borrower throughout the 7th year. The specific pruzbul rules. What kind of Beis Din (court) is required?