Mitzvah —
240
Not to reap that corner
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וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶם֙ אֶת־קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֔ם לֹ֧א תְכַלֶּ֛ה פְּאַ֥ת שָׂדְךָ֖ לִקְצֹ֑ר וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִֽירְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תְלַקֵּֽט׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
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Leviticus 19:9 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not fully reap the corner of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
It is forbidden for a landowner to harvest the entire field; the corner (pe’ah) must be left for the poor.
This mitzvah complements the positive commandment of Pe’ah (Mitzvah 239). While Mitzvah 239 requires the farmer to leave part of the field for the needy, this mitzvah prohibits fully reaping it. Together, they ensure that the poor are not deprived of their share.
The law affirms that agricultural produce is not solely the property of the landowner but a trust from Hashem. By restraining one’s harvest, the farmer fulfills both faith and justice, enabling the needy to sustain themselves with dignity.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:1): Lists this prohibition alongside the positive mitzvah of leaving pe’ah.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 217): Explains that the purpose is to train us in generosity and remind us that sustenance comes from Hashem, not our labor alone.
- Mishnah Pe’ah 1:1: States that one must not completely harvest the field; the measure of pe’ah is not fixed by Torah law but is determined by generosity, with rabbinic guidance of at least one-sixtieth.
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:9): Clarifies that the word “lo techaleh” (“do not finish”) prohibits complete reaping, leaving nothing for the poor.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
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.
