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Leviticus 23:22 - Leave for the needy, honor G-d.

Leviticus 23:22 - ויקרא 23:22

Hebrew Text

וּבְקֻצְרְכֶם אֶת־קְצִיר אַרְצְכֶם לֹא־תְכַלֶּה פְּאַת שָׂדְךָ בְּקֻצְרֶךָ וְלֶקֶט קְצִירְךָ לֹא תְלַקֵּט לֶעָנִי וְלַגֵּר תַּעֲזֹב אֹתָם אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And when you reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not altogether remove the corners of thy field when thou reapest, nor shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them to the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

U-v'kutzr'khem et-k'tzir artz'khem lo-t'khaleh p'at sadekha b'kutzrekha v'leket k'tzir'kha lo t'lakeit la'ani v'la'ger ta'azov otam ani Adonai Eloheikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶ֞ם אֶת־קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֗ם לֹֽא־תְכַלֶּ֞ה פְּאַ֤ת שָֽׂדְךָ֙ בְּקֻצְרֶ֔ךָ וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִירְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְלַקֵּ֑ט לֶֽעָנִ֤י וְלַגֵּר֙ תַּעֲזֹ֣ב אֹתָ֔ם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶ֞ם אֶת־קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֗ם לֹֽא־תְכַלֶּ֞ה פְּאַ֤ת שָֽׂדְךָ֙ בְּקֻצְרֶ֔ךָ וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִירְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְלַקֵּ֑ט לֶֽעָנִ֤י וְלַגֵּר֙ תַּעֲזֹ֣ב אֹתָ֔ם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Mitzvah

The verse (Vayikra 19:9) commands the Jewish people to leave portions of their harvest for the poor and the stranger. This includes pe'ah (the corner of the field) and leket (gleanings that fall during harvesting). These agricultural gifts are part of a broader system of matanot aniyim (gifts to the poor) designed to ensure societal compassion and divine justice.

Explanation of the Terms

  • Pe'ah (פְּאַת שָׂדְךָ): Rashi (on Vayikra 19:9) explains that the Torah does not specify the exact amount to be left, but the Sages (Mishnah Pe'ah 1:1) established a minimum of 1/60th of the harvest. The owner must designate a corner of the field and leave it unharvested for the poor.
  • Leket (לֶקֶט קְצִירְךָ): Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 4:2) clarifies that leket refers to individual stalks that fall during reaping. The harvester must intentionally leave them for the poor rather than gathering them.

Spiritual and Ethical Lessons

The Sifra (Kedoshim 1:7) teaches that this mitzvah reinforces humility and gratitude. By leaving part of the harvest, landowners acknowledge that the land ultimately belongs to Hashem, and they are merely stewards. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 31b) further emphasizes that withholding these gifts is akin to theft from the poor.

Recipients of the Gifts

The verse specifies two groups:

  • The Poor (עָנִי): Those who lack sufficient means to support themselves.
  • The Stranger (גֵּר): Rashi explains this refers to a ger toshav, a non-Jew living among the Jewish people who has accepted the Noahide laws. Ramban adds that this inclusion highlights the universal ethical obligation to support those in need, regardless of background.

Divine Authority

The verse concludes with "I am the Lord your God", which Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvos, Positive Commandment 126) interprets as a reminder that these laws are not merely social welfare but divine commandments. By observing them, we emulate Hashem’s attribute of kindness and recognize His ownership of the land (Vayikra 25:23).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 131a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of leaving gleanings for the poor and the stranger, emphasizing the ethical and religious obligations towards the less fortunate.
📖 Sotah 38b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of leaving the corners of the field unharvested as a mitzvah (commandment) and its implications for agricultural practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'not removing the corners of your field' mean in Leviticus 23:22?
A: The verse commands farmers to leave the corners (pe'ah) of their fields unharvested, as well as any gleanings (leket) that fall during harvesting. These are to be left for the poor and the stranger (ger), as an act of charity. Rashi explains that this teaches us that our possessions are ultimately from Hashem, and we must share with those in need.
Q: Why is leaving gleanings for the poor important in Judaism?
A: Leaving gleanings (leket) and the corners of the field (pe'ah) is a fundamental mitzvah of tzedakah (charity) in Judaism. The Rambam teaches that these agricultural gifts ensure the poor have dignity, as they collect food themselves rather than receiving handouts. It also reminds us that the land’s produce ultimately belongs to Hashem.
Q: Who qualifies as 'the poor and the stranger' in this verse?
A: The 'poor' (ani) refers to Jewish individuals in need, while the 'stranger' (ger) traditionally refers to a righteous convert or non-Jewish resident living among the Jewish people. The Talmud (Chullin 131a) discusses the details of who is eligible to collect these gifts, emphasizing kindness to all who are in need.
Q: Does this law still apply today if we don’t farm?
A: While most people today do not harvest fields, the principle of leaving portions for the poor remains relevant. The Sefer HaChinuch explains that this mitzvah teaches generosity and awareness of others' needs. Today, this can be fulfilled by giving tzedakah (charity) or supporting food distribution programs for the needy.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 23:22?
A: This verse teaches that our material blessings come with responsibility. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:1) emphasizes that by leaving part of our harvest for others, we acknowledge that everything belongs to Hashem. It also instills humility and compassion, reminding us to care for the less fortunate in our communities.