DEUT1412 When harvesting, leave forgotten sheaves for the poor. When the grain in our fields is being harvested, the poor look longingly upon it and feel their poverty even more strongly. They watch the field owners bringing in Hashem's bounty and think in their hearts, “If only I, too, could have grain to harvest for myself and my family, even just one sheaf, it would make me so happy!” Due to His mercy upon His creations, Hashem wants to satisfy these longings. Therefore, when harvesting his field, if the owner forgets a sheaf there, he is commanded to leave it there for the poor. An additional great benefit accrues to the field owner when he fulfills this mitzvah, for by leaving such sheaves, he refines his character, for he accustoms himself to behave with mercy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate than him. In truth, for the sake of refining his character and cultivating the trade of generosity, the field owner should not be particular about the forgotten sheaves, and upon generous souls Hashem's blessing rests for all time.