3,224. Buying From Syria

Terumos 1:14

Let’s say that a non-Jew sells produce still connected to the ground after it reaches the stage in which it becomes obligated in tithes, and a non-Jew smooths the grain pile (i.e., completes the labor) after it enters the possession of a Jew. In such a case, the produce is not obligated in terumah and maaser. Since the produce reached the stage where tithes are necessary while in the possession of a non-Jew and a non-Jew smoothed the pile, the ownership of the Jew is irrelevant.

Terumos 1:15

If someone buys a field in Syria (referring to lands annexed by Israel), he must separate terumah and maaser by rabbinic enactment the same as one who buys a field in Jerusalem would do under Biblical law, as has already been discussed. However, if one buys produce of Syria from a non-Jew, it is exempt from tithes because it doesn’t come from his land; this is true regardless of whether the produce was already harvested or still attached to the ground, and even if he bought the produce before it reached the stage where the produce is obligated in tithes and even if a Jew smoothed the grain pile, completing its labor.