To leave the gleanings of a vineyard

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 220) teaches that leaving olelot reminds the farmer that the vineyard’s bounty is from Hashem. Faith is expressed by obeying His command to share the harvest, trusting in His continued blessing.

Charity – צְדָקָה

• Mishnah Pe’ah 7:4 identifies olelot as a legally defined portion belonging to the poor. This elevates charity from generosity to obligation, ensuring equity in agricultural wealth.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Rambam (Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 1:5) explains that leaving incomplete clusters spares the poor from shame by giving them direct entitlement. Compassion is built into the mitzvah’s design, allowing dignity in receiving.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi (Leviticus 19:10) notes that the Torah requires olelot be left specifically “for the poor and the stranger.” Justice ensures that those most vulnerable receive their rightful share.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• The mitzvah integrates the poor into the agricultural cycle of the community. It binds vineyard owners and the needy together in a system of fairness and shared responsibility.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• Like pe’ah and leket, olelot sanctify farming. The vineyard becomes a place of mitzvah, where harvesting is never solely for profit but also for holiness.

Leaving for the Poor – פֵּאָה / לֶקֶט / שִׁכְחָה

• Rambam groups olelot with other mitzvot that mandate leaving portions of produce for the poor. Together, they form a comprehensive framework of agricultural justice.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) emphasizes that agricultural mitzvot like olelot are Torah obligations in the Land of Israel, highlighting the land’s sanctity and its role in shaping just society.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• By leaving part of the vineyard as commanded, the farmer demonstrates obedience and reverence toward Hashem, affirming His ownership over the land.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• At the same time, this mitzvah trains us to treat others with compassion and fairness. It refines our character by ensuring that generosity is embedded in daily life.