Mitzvah —
239
To leave a corner of the field uncut for the poor
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פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
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וְכַרְמְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תְעוֹלֵ֔ל וּפֶ֥רֶט כַּרְמְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְלַקֵּ֑ט לֶֽעָנִ֤י וְלַגֵּר֙ תַּעֲזֹ֣ב אֹתָ֔ם אֲנִ֖י ה׳ אֱלֹקֵיכֶֽם׃
Leviticus 19:10
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"And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you collect the [fallen] individual grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the L-rd, your G-d."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
Farmers must leave a designated corner of their fields unharvested so the poor and strangers may take from it.
This mitzvah commands landowners to leave a corner (pe’ah) of their fields for the needy. Unlike ordinary charity, which is given at the donor’s discretion, pe’ah is a Torah obligation that creates dignity and accessibility: the poor collect directly from the field.
The mitzvah highlights that land and produce ultimately belong to Hashem, and farmers are stewards, not absolute owners. It fosters compassion, generosity, and community responsibility while ensuring the poor have sustenance.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:1): Teaches that pe’ah is a positive mitzvah from the Torah, applying to fields, orchards, and vineyards.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 216): Explains the root is to cultivate generosity and compassion, recognizing that wealth comes from Hashem and must be shared.
- Mishnah Pe’ah 1:1: States that pe’ah has no fixed measure — any amount suffices, though the Sages encouraged at least one-sixtieth.
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:9): Emphasizes that this mitzvah is directed “to the poor and the stranger” so that they may gather with dignity.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:1) emphasizes that landowners must acknowledge that their field is Hashem’s gift. Leaving pe’ah expresses faith by recognizing Divine ownership of the land and produce.
Charity – צְדָקָה
- Mishnah Pe’ah 1:1 defines pe’ah as a Torah-ordained form of charity. Unlike voluntary giving, this mitzvah establishes charity as an obligation, ensuring dignity for the poor.
Compassion – רַחֲמִים
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 216) explains that the mitzvah trains us in compassion by sharing our harvest with those in need. It nurtures a merciful heart by making kindness habitual.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:9) interprets that the Torah commanded pe’ah so that the poor would not have to beg but could collect with dignity. Justice is served when society ensures the vulnerable receive their share.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Rambam notes that this mitzvah fosters communal responsibility — the wealthy and poor share the land’s blessing together, binding the community through fairness and mutual care.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Rambam codifies pe’ah as an agricultural mitzvah applying to fields, orchards, and vineyards. It sanctifies farming by making the act of harvesting part of the mitzvah system.
Leaving for the Poor – פֵּאָה / לֶקֶט / שִׁכְחָה
- Mishnah Pe’ah and related halachot group pe’ah with leket (gleanings) and shikhecha (forgotten bundles), creating a framework of agricultural obligations to the poor.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) explains that pe’ah applies by Torah law in Eretz Yisrael and by rabbinic extension outside it. This reflects the special agricultural sanctity of the Land.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- The mitzvah expresses obedience to Hashem’s will, showing faith that sustenance comes from Him and that part of our harvest must be returned to His command.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- At the same time, pe’ah trains us to care for others directly, ensuring that the poor and stranger are treated with dignity. It sanctifies human relationships through fairness and generosity.
