Not to pick the unformed clusters of grapes

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 223) explains that restraining from gathering peret shows trust in Hashem’s word, even with small items. It reinforces faith by reminding us that abundance is sustained through Divine blessing, not human accumulation.

Charity – צְדָקָה

• Mishnah Pe’ah 6:5 establishes peret as an entitlement of the poor. This prohibition ensures that charity is not neglected but enshrined as a binding Torah obligation, not merely generosity.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:6) teaches that leaving fallen grapes grants dignity to the poor, who gather them by right rather than by pity. Compassion is expressed by protecting both provision and self-respect.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi (Leviticus 19:10) emphasizes that the prohibition “do not gather” directs landowners to respect the rightful claim of the poor. Justice is upheld by ensuring the harvest is shared fairly.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• This mitzvah integrates the needs of the poor into the life of the vineyard, strengthening social bonds. It ensures that every harvest cycle contributes to the welfare of the community.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• By embedding restraint into harvesting, this mitzvah transforms farming into a practice of holiness and justice. The vineyard itself becomes a place where mitzvot are fulfilled.

Leaving for the Poor – פֵּאָה / לֶקֶט / שִׁכְחָה

• Together with olelot and leket, this mitzvah ensures multiple avenues of agricultural provision for the poor. The system reflects Torah’s commitment to structural justice in farming.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) teaches that peret is a Torah command in Eretz Yisrael, showing the land’s holiness. Outside of Israel, it remains rabbinically enforced to preserve its value.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Observing this prohibition affirms Hashem’s ownership over the vineyard and its produce, making compliance an act of loyalty to His will.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• The mitzvah also refines our conduct toward others by mandating fairness and generosity, ensuring that even small blessings are shared within society.