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 (interplanting – annuals & grapevines): Rocket is classified as a vegetable, and thus should not be planted near other edible annuals or grapevines.

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