Not to pick grapes which grew wild in the normal manner in the fiftieth year
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to harvest grapes in the usual way during Yovel; the produce must remain ownerless and shared.
The Torah prohibits gathering grapes in the standard agricultural manner during the Jubilee year. Just as with Shemitah, grapes that grow on their own may not be harvested as though privately owned. Instead, they are to be treated as communal property, accessible to all—rich and poor alike.
This mitzvah mirrors Mitzvah 283 (Shemitah) but applies specifically to Yovel. Rambam teaches that the purpose of this restriction is to demonstrate that land and produce do not belong permanently to individuals but to Hashem. By forbidding normal harvesting, the Torah prevents hoarding and emphasizes the equal dignity of all members of society.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 10:14): Rules that gathering grapes in the usual way during Yovel is forbidden, just as in Shemitah.
- Sifra (Behar 2:5): Reads “וְלֹא תִבְצְרוּ” as a prohibition against organized, ownership-style harvesting.
- Rashi (Leviticus 25:11): Explains that “נְזִרֶיהָ” refers to untended vines, which may not be harvested in the typical, systematic fashion.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 335): Notes that this command trains Israel to embrace humility, generosity, and detachment from material possession.
- Talmud (Arachin 32b): Equates the prohibitions of Shemitah and Yovel in agricultural practice, including grape harvesting.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 335) explains that leaving grapes unharvested for all develops trust in Hashem, not human ownership.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 10:14) rules that Yovel’s produce is holy, requiring restraint in its handling.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Sifra (Behar 2:5) interprets “וְלֹא תִבְצְרוּ” as a ban on systematic harvesting, reshaping vineyard work during Yovel.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- This law applies only in Israel, where agricultural cycles are bound by Torah’s sanctification of land and produce.
Shemitah – שְׁמִטָּה
- Talmud (Arachin 32b) parallels grape harvesting restrictions in Yovel with those of Shemitah.
Jubilee year / Yovel – יוֹבֵל
- This mitzvah directly applies to Yovel, forbidding grape gathering as part of its sanctity. (Lev. 25:11.)
Justice – צֶדֶק
- By restricting normal harvesting, the law prevents exploitation and guarantees equal access to produce. (Rashi on Lev. 25:11.)
Community – קְהִלָּה
- The mitzvah ensures that vineyards yield blessings for the entire community, not only landowners.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Refraining from vineyard harvest reflects awe for Hashem’s ownership of the land.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Observing the restriction honors Hashem’s covenant, showing obedience to His sanctification of the Yovel.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- By making produce freely available, the mitzvah nurtures equality and kindness between people. (Sefer HaChinuch 335.)
