Many people cannot remember what they had for breakfast. It can be equally challenging for those trying to remember the halachos of shmittah from seven years ago. While the laws of shmittah can be mystifying, Rabbi David Marcus has written a handy quick reference on the topic in “Shmittah 5782: A Practical Guide.” It is freely available at https://bit.ly/shmita5782.

Many people think of shmittah as a complicated headache. However, Marcus writes that it is an opportunity for those in Israel to fulfill a very special mitzvah.

We are now in Elul, which is a time to prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shmittah is also about preparation and reevaluation. It is also an opportune time to appreciate the incredible gift of Eretz Yisrael.

While there are books spanning hundreds of pages detailing the intricacies and details of shmittah, this short and sweet 26-page guide is written in a clear and concise manner. It has a focus on the high-level details and practical aspects of shmittah. In this pamphlet, he explains the key shmittah terms, consumer options available for the current shmittah year, dealing with shmittah in the kitchen, what to do when eating out, and much more.

For those in Israel, those who hope to visit in 5782, or those who just a refresher on shmittah, this practical guide lives up to its title.

Ben Rothke lives in New Jersey and works in the information security field. He reviews books on religion, technology and science. @benrothke