Not to gather grapes which grow wild that year in the normal way

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 112) explains that refraining from normal grape harvests demonstrates trust in Hashem’s providence. Farmers learn that sustenance and abundance come from Him, not human effort.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 4:1) states that Shemitah produce has inherent sanctity. Limiting the harvest of grapes prevents them from being treated as ordinary agricultural goods, elevating them into holiness.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• Talmud (Moed Katan 3b) defines Shemitah’s ban on normal reaping and gathering as agricultural restrictions. Grapes, like grain, are central examples of produce that cannot be harvested commercially.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• The mitzvah is unique to the sanctity of the Land of Israel, reminding its inhabitants that the land and its fruit are Hashem’s possession. (Rambam, Shemitah V’Yovel 4:29.)

Shemitah – שְׁמִטָּה

• Leviticus 25:5 gives a dual prohibition—grain and grapes—that anchors the broader framework of Shemitah. This mitzvah forms part of the Torah’s agricultural Shabbat.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• By forbidding large-scale grape harvesting, the mitzvah prevents exploitation of resources and ensures fair access for all. This creates a just balance in society.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Exodus 23:11 establishes that Shemitah produce is ownerless and communal. Grapes, a valuable crop, must remain available to everyone equally, rich and poor alike.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Sifra (Behar 1:7) frames Shemitah as a year of awe and restraint. Farmers show reverence by holding back from treating their vineyards as private property.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 1:1–3) teaches that Shemitah reflects submission to Divine will. Avoiding normal harvest affirms loyalty to Hashem’s command.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that Shemitah keeps produce open to all. This nurtures compassion and equality, strengthening social bonds through shared food.