peah

Peah (also transliterated as pe‘ah) is a commandment in Jewish law that requires landowners to leave the corners of their fields unharvested for the benefit of the poor and the stranger. The Torah first mentions this obligation in the Book of Leviticus (19:9–10) and reiterates it in Deuteronomy (24:19–22), framing it as a form of social welfare rooted in agricultural practice. The term literally means “corner” and refers specifically to the portion of a field that must be detached before the primary harvest is gathered.

Halakhic authorities elaborate on the parameters of peah, defining the required size of the corner, the types of produce to which it applies, and the conditions under which it may be fulfilled. Traditionally, a minimum of one-fiftieth of the field’s area must be designated as peah, though the exact proportion can vary based on local customs and the size of the field. The produce left in the corner may be taken freely by anyone in need, without restriction to a particular individual.

In contemporary practice, the mitzvah is observed in a variety of settings, including commercial farms, community gardens, and charitable food programs. Modern adaptations often involve setting aside a specified portion of harvest for redistribution through food banks or similar organizations, thereby preserving the spirit of the ancient law while addressing present‑day socioeconomic challenges. Peah remains a salient example of how biblical injunctions continue to influence ethical and communal responsibilities in Jewish life.