Not to gather grapes which grow wild that year in the normal way
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to gather grapes that grow wild in the Shemitah year in the usual harvesting manner.
Just as reaping grain during Shemitah is limited, the Torah also forbids gathering grapes in the normal fashion. The phrase “עִנְּבֵי נְזִרֶךָ לֹא תִבְצֹר” refers to unpruned vines whose grapes grow without human cultivation. While Shemitah produce may be eaten, it must not be collected as a commercial harvest. Instead, grapes are gathered only in small quantities for immediate household needs, preserving access for all.
The mitzvah emphasizes that Shemitah is not simply about refraining from planting but also about changing the way natural produce is treated. Grapes, often associated with wine and prosperity, are placed under Divine ownership for that year, reminding Israel that even luxury and abundance belong ultimately to G-d. This ensures that Shemitah produce remains hefker (ownerless) and available equally to all people, reinforcing themes of holiness, justice, and communal equality.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 4:1–2): Prohibits gathering grapes in the manner of a vineyard harvest. Only small-scale collection is permitted.
- Talmud (Moed Katan 3b): Teaches that Shemitah produce may be eaten but not harvested in the usual manner, applying equally to grain and grapes.
- Sifra (Behar 1:7): Reads “you shall not reap” and “you shall not gather” as two distinct prohibitions—grain and grapes—each serving as a model for other produce.
- Rashi (Leviticus 25:5): Explains that “נְזִרֶךָ” refers to unpruned vines, whose fruit must not be harvested as in a normal year.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 112): Notes that Shemitah’s restrictions remind the farmer of G-d’s mastery, ensuring that produce is shared fairly and not hoarded.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
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.
