Agricultural Information:

Plant Family: Cruciferae (Brassicaceae)
Scientific name: Eruca sativa

Rocket is an annual plant from the Cruciferae family. Today, the plant can be found growing wild throughout Israel, and also as a cultivated plant grown commercially. The plant’s leaves are consumed in salad, while its seeds are used for seasoning.

Historical Information:

The Sages mention gargar as a plant used for both its leaves and seeds. In addition, gargar shel afar is noted as a plant that has a short shelf-life. The gargar has been is identified as the arugula or rocket.

Halachic Information:

Infestation: The plant’s leaves are generally infested and it is essential to thoroughly clean and check them before consumption.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem*: Rocket is classified as a vegetable, and thus should not be planted near other edible annuals or grapevines.

*Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines) generally do not apply outside of the land of Israel; the following laws apply only within the land of Israel.

Information about plants as they relate to torah and mitzvot has been generously provided by Mercaz Torah VeHa’aretz Institute.