Deuteronomy 24:20 - Leave for the needy.

Deuteronomy 24:20 - דברים 24:20

Hebrew Text

כִּי תַחְבֹּט זֵיתְךָ לֹא תְפָאֵר אַחֲרֶיךָ לַגֵּר לַיָּתוֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָה יִהְיֶה׃

English Translation

When thou beatest thy olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

Transliteration

Ki tachbot zeitkha lo tfa'er achareikha lager layatom velal'manah yihyeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י תַחְבֹּט֙ זֵֽיתְךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְפַאֵ֖ר אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ לַגֵּ֛ר לַיָּת֥וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖ה יִהְיֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and General Meaning

The verse (Devarim 24:20) is part of a series of mitzvot concerning agricultural kindness, specifically the obligation to leave portions of one's harvest for the poor. Here, the Torah commands that when one harvests olives by beating the tree, they must not return to gather every last olive, but rather leave the remaining ones for the stranger, orphan, and widow.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "לֹא תְפָאֵר אַחֲרֶיךָ" ("thou shalt not go over the boughs again") to mean that one should not meticulously gather every single olive, as if "adorning" the tree by stripping it completely. Instead, one must leave some behind for those in need. Rashi emphasizes that this mitzvah applies specifically to olive trees, as their harvesting method (beating the branches) makes it easy to overlook some fruit, which must then be left for the poor.

Rambam (Maimonides) on the Mitzvah

In Hilchot Matnot Aniyim (Laws of Gifts to the Poor 1:10), Rambam codifies this mitzvah as part of the broader obligations of leket, shikcha, and pe'ah (gleanings, forgotten sheaves, and corners of the field). He clarifies that this applies not only to olives but also to other trees, though the Torah singles out olives due to their common cultivation in Eretz Yisrael. The owner must intentionally leave these gifts rather than merely overlooking them by accident.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Chullin 131a) derives from this verse that the mitzvah applies only when the harvest is done by beating the tree, not by hand-picking.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 9) connects this mitzvah to the broader theme of divine justice: just as Hashem provides for the vulnerable, we must emulate His ways by sustaining the needy.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 283) teaches that this mitzvah reinforces the idea that our material blessings are not solely ours—they come with responsibilities toward others.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

This verse underscores the Torah's emphasis on tzedakah (charity) and chessed (kindness) as fundamental Jewish values. By leaving part of the harvest for the poor, landowners acknowledge that their prosperity is a divine gift and that they must share it with those less fortunate. The inclusion of the stranger, orphan, and widow—groups particularly vulnerable in ancient society—highlights the Torah's concern for societal equity.

Practical Halachic Application

In contemporary terms, this mitzvah reminds us to:

  • Be mindful of opportunities to give to those in need, even in our financial or business dealings.
  • Recognize that our possessions are entrusted to us by Hashem, and we must use them in accordance with His will.
  • Prioritize the dignity of the poor by ensuring they can collect these gifts without shame.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 131a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of leaving gleanings for the poor, specifically regarding olive trees.
📖 Bava Metzia 88b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the ethical obligations towards the poor and the importance of leaving portions of the harvest for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:20 mean about beating olive trees?
A: This verse teaches that when harvesting olives by beating the tree branches, one should not go back to collect every last olive. Instead, the remaining olives should be left for the poor—specifically the stranger (ger), orphan (yatom), and widow (almanah). This is part of the Torah's agricultural laws of 'leket' (gleaning), ensuring kindness and charity to those in need (Rashi, Rambam Hilchot Matnot Aniyim).
Q: Why does the Torah mention the stranger, orphan, and widow in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes these three groups because they were often the most vulnerable in ancient society—lacking land, family support, or financial stability. By commanding farmers to leave leftover produce for them, the Torah instills compassion and social responsibility (Sifrei Devarim, Rambam).
Q: Does this law about olive trees apply to other crops?
A: Yes! Similar laws apply to other harvests, such as leaving the corners of fields unharvested ('pe’ah') and not gathering fallen stalks ('shikcha'). However, this verse specifically addresses olives, showing that even trees—which require more effort to harvest—must follow these kindness laws (Talmud Chullin 131a, Rambam Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 1:2).
Q: How can we apply this verse today if we don’t farm olives?
A: While most people today don’t harvest olives, the principle remains: we must actively share our blessings with those in need. Whether through tzedakah (charity), supporting food drives, or assisting vulnerable individuals, the Torah’s message of generosity is timeless (Chinuch 589, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:1).
Q: What’s the deeper lesson behind leaving olives for the poor?
A: Beyond charity, this mitzvah teaches humility—recognizing that our wealth ultimately comes from Hashem. By leaving part of the harvest, we acknowledge that everything we 'own' is really entrusted to us to use wisely and kindly (Kli Yakar, Sforno).

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