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Leviticus 19:9 - Leave for the needy

Leviticus 19:9 - ויקרא 19:9

Hebrew Text

וּבְקֻצְרְכֶם אֶת־קְצִיר אַרְצְכֶם לֹא תְכַלֶּה פְּאַת שָׂדְךָ לִקְצֹר וְלֶקֶט קְצִירְךָ לֹא תְלַקֵּט׃

English Translation

And when you reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleaning of thy harvest.

Transliteration

Uv'kutzr'chem et-k'tzir artz'chem lo t'chaleh p'at sadecha liktzor v'leket k'tzircha lo t'lakeit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶם֙ אֶת־קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֔ם לֹ֧א תְכַלֶּ֛ה פְּאַ֥ת שָׂדְךָ֖ לִקְצֹ֑ר וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִֽירְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תְלַקֵּֽט׃
וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶם֙ אֶת־קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֔ם לֹ֧א תְכַלֶּ֛ה פְּאַ֥ת שָׂדְךָ֖ לִקְצֹ֑ר וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִֽירְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תְלַקֵּֽט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Mitzvah of Pe'ah and Leket

The verse (Vayikra 19:9) introduces two agricultural mitzvot: Pe'ah (leaving the corners of the field unharvested) and Leket (not gathering the gleanings that fall during harvesting). These mitzvot are part of the broader category of matnot aniyim (gifts to the poor), ensuring that the needy have access to sustenance from the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Vayikra 19:9) clarifies that the phrase "לֹא תְכַלֶּה פְּאַת שָׂדְךָ" ("do not wholly reap the corners of your field") means that a portion of the field must be left for the poor. The exact amount is not specified in the Torah, but the Mishnah (Pe'ah 1:1) establishes a minimum of 1/60th of the harvest, though one may leave more as an act of generosity.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 1:2-3) elaborates that these mitzvot apply only in Eretz Yisrael and are binding on Jewish-owned fields. He emphasizes that the owner must not harvest the designated portions himself—they are reserved exclusively for the poor, who may collect them without shame, as the Torah grants them this right.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:1) connects this mitzvah to the broader theme of divine providence: just as Hashem provides for all creatures, we must emulate His kindness by ensuring that the poor are sustained. Leaving Pe'ah and Leket is not merely charity but an acknowledgment that the land’s produce ultimately belongs to Hashem.

Practical Implications

  • Pe'ah: Must be left standing in the field; the poor harvest it themselves.
  • Leket: Refers to individual stalks that fall during reaping; these must be left for the poor to gather.
  • Ownership: Once the produce is designated as Pe'ah or Leket, it is considered the property of the poor, and taking it is akin to theft.

Moral Lesson

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 216) teaches that these laws cultivate humility and gratitude in landowners, reminding them that wealth is a divine gift to be shared. By leaving part of the harvest for others, we affirm that our material blessings come with obligations to the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 131a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of leaving the corners of the field (pe'ah) and gleanings (leket) for the poor.
📖 Sotah 23b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the agricultural gifts to the poor and their significance.
📖 Bava Metzia 88a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the ethical obligations of landowners towards the poor during harvest time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'not wholly reap the corners of your field' mean in Leviticus 19:9?
A: This verse commands Jewish farmers to leave the corners (pe'ah) of their fields unharvested, as well as any gleanings (leket) that fall during harvesting. These are left for the poor and needy, as explained in the Talmud (Pe'ah 1:1) and Rashi's commentary. It teaches kindness and ensures the less fortunate have access to food.
Q: Why is leaving the corners of the field important in Judaism?
A: Leaving the corners of the field (pe'ah) and gleanings (leket) is a mitzvah (commandment) that emphasizes charity (tzedakah) and social responsibility. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 1:1-2) explains that this law ensures the poor can collect food with dignity, without having to beg. It reflects G-d's desire for a just and compassionate society.
Q: How does the commandment of pe'ah and leket apply today?
A: While most Jews today are not farmers, the principle of leaving food for the poor still applies. Many interpret this mitzvah broadly to mean supporting charitable causes and ensuring those in need have basic necessities. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 332:1) discusses how to allocate portions of one's income to tzedakah, continuing the spirit of this commandment.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 19:9 about helping others?
A: This verse teaches that helping others is not optional but a Divine obligation. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:1) compares leaving pe'ah to giving G-d His 'share,' showing that kindness is integral to serving G-d. It also emphasizes giving in a way that preserves the recipient's dignity, as the poor collect the food themselves.