--"Answers by Email" will resume on September 4, 2007.  (No need to re-subscribe if you're already signed up...you will stay on our list for September.)

1. Why do ultra-observant Jewish communities in Israel want the Israeli military to ease a blockade of the Gaza Strip?

2. Why has Israel's army kept its commercial crossings into Gaza sealed for the past two months? (para. 2 & 5)

3. What is shmita?

4. How will the blockade of the Gaza Strip affect ultra-observant Jewish communities, especially during Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)?

5. Why is agriculture so important for Palestinians in Gaza? (para. 6-7, 17)

6. Why can't the Jewish citizens observing shmita purchase food from Jordan and Europe?

7. Orthodox Jews and Palestinian farmers say they are not interested in the conflict between their governments. The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which currently controls Gaza, continues to attack Israel with rockets. The Israeli government continues its blockade of Gaza.
Do you think that the blockade of Gaza should be lifted, and if so, just for the New Year or permanently? Explain your answer.