Some authorities allow someone who lacks full understanding of these concepts to simply recite a condensed formula and say: “All the separations and the redemption of ma’aser sheni shall take effect as written in the nusach in my possession.” He must also physically separate more than one percent for the terumot and set aside a coin for redeeming ma’aser sheni (Ḥazon Ish, Demai 15:6; Minḥat Yitzḥak 1:85).
In practice, however, one should not rely on this. As we have learned, one who does not understand the meaning of this mitzva and its components cannot fulfill it. Moreover, even one who reads the nusach but does not understand it has not fulfilled his obligation (Mahariṭ Algazi). This was also the ruling of R. Tzvi Pesaḥ Frank (Har Tzvi, Zera’im 1:48) and R. Ovadia Yosef (Ḥazon Ovadia: Terumot and Ma’asrot, p. 192). My teacher, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, of blessed memory, was very insistent about this; on occasion, he even erased this suggestion from his students’ prayer books.
The owner of the produce may appoint an agent to separate terumot and ma’asrot on his behalf. Moreover, if he has made it clear that he approves of his son, daughter, or someone else separating terumot and ma’asrot from his produce, that person may do so for him without requesting explicit permission. Still, it is preferable to receive explicit permission.
Many field and factory owners appoint a kashrut supervisor authorized by the Rabbinate as their agent to separate terumot and ma’asrot on their behalf. The owner should first understand the meaning of the mitzva, and it is proper for him to give the supervisor written authorization appointing him to fulfill the mitzva on his behalf.
