Sheviis 1:3-4

Sheviis 1:3

We count both fruit trees and non-fruit trees as if they were fig trees – if a cake of pressed figs weighing 60 Italian maneh can be made (see previous mishna), the entire plot of 2,500 square cubits can be plowed for them. Less than this, one may only plow what is necessary.

Sheviis 1:4

If one tree could produce the cake of pressed figs (refer back to mishna 1:2) and two trees were not contributing, or vice versa, one may only plow what is necessary (and not the entire plot of land). If there are up to nine trees, three of which can produce the necessary volume of figs, the entire plot may be plowed because of them. If there are ten trees or more in a beis seah (the plot of 2,500 square cubits), then the entire plot may be plowed regardless of their output as per Exodus 34:21, “you shall refrain from plowing and harvesting.” We don’t need to be told to refrain from plowing and harvesting in the seventh year (shemittah), so it must refer to plowing and harvesting leading up to the seventh year, and to the harvest at the end of the seventh year that leads into the next. Rabbi Yishmael says, just as “plowing” refers only to that which one does voluntarily, “harvesting” refers to that which one does voluntarily. This excludes harvesting the omer, which is an obligation of the Torah.