Soybean

Hebrew: סוֹיָה, soyah
Family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
Scientific name: Glycine max

The soybean is an annual legume. The soybean seed is a bean (a.k.a soy bean or soya bean). These beans are rich in proteins, and their uses are numerous: the dry seed is used for animal fodder and as a human food source. Soybeans serve as a substitute for animal proteins, as well as for oil and beverages. The pod is eaten fresh (edamame).

The plant originates from East Asia, where it serves as one of the dietary staples. Although it is one of the oldest cultivated crops in its native region, it was introduced to Europe and America only during the 19th century, and to Israel only after the establishment of the state. Today, most soybean cultivation is in the Americas; the plant is not commercially cultivated in Israel.

Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines): Soybean is a legume with edible seeds, and therefore, its halachic status regarding kilei zer’aim and kilei hakerem is like other legumes. Some argue that the distance required for legumes should be similar to that of grains, which is six tefachim (48 cm).

Legumes on Passover: Soybean is a plant whose seeds (beans) are eaten and can be used to produce oil. The posekim have debated whether these beans are subject to the prohibition on kitniyot, legumes, on Passover. This question involves several aspects:

Whether there is a concern that grains will be present in the mixture during oil production.
Soybeans were not known in the Land of Israel or Europe when the Rishonim instituted the prohibition of legumes. The fundamental question is whether the kitniyot prohibition applies to legumes that were unknown or not used at the time the decree was instituted. Other plants discussed by the posekim, besides soybeans, include corn, quinoa, and peanuts.

Matanot aniyim (gifts for the poor): The obligation to leave gifts for the poor applies to crops that mature uniformly and have a long shelf-life. Soybeans meet these conditions and must be left in the field for lekket, shichechah, and pe’ah.