Mitzvah —
235
Not to plant grains or greens in a vineyard
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לֹא־תִזְרַ֥ע כַּרְמְךָ֖ כִּלְאָ֑יִם פֶּן־תִּקְדַּ֗שׁ הַֽמְלֵאָ֤ה הַזֶּ֙רַע֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּזְרָ֔ע וּתְבוּאַ֖ת הַכָּֽרֶם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת כִּי־תֵצֵא
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Deuteronomy 22:9 - "You shall not sow your vineyard [together with] a mixed variety of species, lest the increase, even the seed that you sow and the yield of the vineyard [both] become forbidden."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
It is forbidden to plant grains or vegetables together with grapevines.
This mitzvah prohibits planting other species (grains, vegetables, or other seeds) in a vineyard. Unlike general kilayim (forbidden mixtures), this prohibition applies specifically to the vineyard, and its severity is greater: both the grapes and the produce planted become prohibited for use.
By forbidding mixture in the vineyard, the Torah emphasizes maintaining purity and distinction in agriculture. The mitzvah reinforces that Hashem’s order in creation should not be tampered with, especially in the sacred land of Israel.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 5:7): Explains that planting grains or greens in a vineyard renders both forbidden — a stricter punishment than other mixtures.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 561): Teaches that the root of the mitzvah is to train us to respect Divine distinctions and preserve agricultural sanctity.
- Talmud (Pesachim 24a): States that even benefit (hana’ah) from such produce is prohibited, reflecting its severity.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 22:9): Interprets “lest the fullness… be forbidden” as meaning the entire vineyard produce is rendered forbidden if violated.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 22:9) calls this a Divine decree (chok). Faith is demonstrated by accepting Hashem’s command without question, trusting His wisdom even when the reason for forbidding mixtures in vineyards is hidden.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 561) writes that the prohibition preserves agricultural sanctity. By obeying the law, we elevate farming practices into holiness, respecting Divine distinctions in creation.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 5:7) explains that this mitzvah uniquely forbids planting grains or greens with grapevines, and the result is severe: both vineyard and crops become forbidden. It directly regulates agricultural practice.
Kilayim – כִּלְאַיִם
- Talmud (Pesachim 24a) rules that produce from a vineyard mixed with other seeds is forbidden for use or even benefit (hana’ah). This strict extension shows the seriousness of vineyard kilayim compared to other mixtures.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Like other agricultural kilayim laws, this prohibition applies specifically in Israel (Kiddushin 39a). The vineyard mitzvah highlights the unique holiness of the land and its special agricultural laws.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Sefer HaChinuch notes that without boundaries, agriculture could be manipulated for profit at the expense of sanctity. Justice here means fairness to Hashem’s design — we cannot distort nature for selfish advantage.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah is between a person and Hashem, as it concerns obedience to His agricultural laws. It reinforces reverence for Divine order, not interpersonal ethics.
