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Emor (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Emor

Dvar Torah
In Emor we learn about the Mitzvah of Peah (lit. "corner") where we are required to leave a portion of our fields earmarked for the poor (Lev. 23:22). Like many other Mitzvot concerning caring for the poor in agrarian societies (e.g. tithes), we can perhaps adopt a modern context for Peah in our contemporary society by dedicating some of our professional capacity to caring for those in need.
Furthermore, the Mishna (Peah 1:1) teaches us that there is no biblically regulated quantity for Peah. Like Gemilut Hasadim (acts of kindness e.g. visiting the sick) where there is no measure for what is too little and what is too much, so too no Peah allotment is too big or small. This too we can perhaps adapt to our own context. Our careers go through phases and at some points we will only have resources and capacity for smaller "Peahs" whereas at other times we will have the privilege of having entire "fields" of Peah. As taught at the end of Menachot (13:11), whether doing a lot or a little - what counts is trying to do the right thing.

Trivia
Peah is one of a trio of Miztvot concerning allotments for the poor whilst harvesting, with the others being Leket (dropped sheaves) and Shikeha (forgotten sheaves). Other allotments to the poor (i.e. Ma’aser) also occur post-harvest

Shabbat Times
Yerushalayim 18:54/20:11
Beruchin 19:04/20:13
Mumbai 18:48/19:42
Paris 21:09/22:28
NYC 19:49/20:56
LA 19:30/20:32
Buenos Aires 17:40/18:38

Shabbat Shalom!

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