Not to reap that corner

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 217) teaches that refraining from reaping the corner affirms that produce is a gift from Hashem. Faith is expressed by trusting Him enough to leave part of the harvest uncollected.

Charity – צְדָקָה

• Mishnah Pe’ah 1:1 includes this prohibition as the foundation of agricultural charity. By restraining harvest, the Torah ensures that the poor receive their rightful portion, turning charity into a legal obligation.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:1) codifies that this mitzvah allows the poor to gather produce with dignity. Compassion is shown not just in giving, but in creating access for the needy.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi (Leviticus 19:9) explains that “do not finish your field” prevents selfishness. Justice here means ensuring equity — every harvest includes a share for the poor.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• This mitzvah fosters a society where agricultural success is shared. By limiting personal gain, landowners contribute to the community’s welfare and strengthen mutual responsibility.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• The mitzvah sanctifies farming by embedding restraint into harvest. It transforms agriculture from pure economics into a mitzvah-centered act of Divine service.

Leaving for the Poor – פֵּאָה / לֶקֶט / שִׁכְחָה

• This command works together with pe’ah (239), leket, and shikhecha. Together, they form a comprehensive framework of agricultural mitzvot that protect the poor.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) explains that this mitzvah is Torah law in Israel and rabbinic outside. It highlights the sanctity of the land and its role in structuring a just society.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• By restraining from full harvest, a farmer acknowledges Hashem as the ultimate Master of the land. This obedience sanctifies the work of the field.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• The mitzvah also refines how we treat others, by embedding generosity and fairness into everyday labor. It ensures the poor are provided for with dignity, strengthening human bonds.