BERACHOS 36 - Two weeks of study material have been dedicated by Mrs. Estanne Abraham Fawer to honor the Yahrzeit of her father, Rav Mordechai ben Eliezer Zvi (Rabbi Morton Weiner) Z'L, who passed away on 18 Teves 5760. May the merit of supporting and advancing Dafyomi study -- which was so important to him -- during the weeks of his Yahrzeit serve as an Iluy for his Neshamah.
36b----------------------------------------36b

1)

Orlah applies to pepper

היה ר"מ אומר ממשמע שנ' (ויקרא יט) וערלתם ערלתו את פריו איני יודע שעץ מאכל הוא אלא מה ת"ל עץ מאכל להביא עץ שטעם עצו ופריו שוה ואיזה זה הפלפלין ללמדך שהפלפלין חייבין בערלה וללמדך שאין א"י חסרה כלום שנא' (דברים ח) ארץ אשר לא במסכנות תאכל בה לחם לא תחסר כל בה:
Translation: A Beraisa teaches, R. Meir asked "va'Araltem Orlaso Es Piryo" teaches that we discuss a fruit tree. Why does it say "Etz Ma'achal"? This includes a tree whose wood and fruit taste the same, i.e. pepper. This teaches that Orlah applies to pepper, and that Eretz Yisrael does not lack anything - "Eretz Asher Lo v'Miskenus Tochal Bah Lechem Lo Sechsar Kol Bah."
(a)

How does "va'Araltem Orlaso Es Piryo" teach that we discuss a fruit tree?

1.

Etz Yosef: In Sukah (35a), R. Meir asked that "u'Ntatem Kol Etz" (the Reisha of "va'Araltem Orlaso") teaches that it is a fruit tree. (Rashi explained, he relies on the Seifa "Lo Ye'achel.") Why does it say "[Etz] Ma'achal"? This includes a tree whose wood and fruit taste the same. It seems that also here, we rely on "Lo Ye'achel." "Etz Ma'achal" implies that the wood itself is food, just like the Pri.

(b)

How does this teach that Eretz Yisrael does not lack anything?

1.

Rav Elyashiv: Even something not essential for life, it is merely to add taste to food, Eretz Yisrael does not lack it.