Tzedakah was an important mitzvah for Jewish farmers, especially at the time of harvest.The Torah commands farmers to leave a portion of crops unpicked, so the poor might glean (gather) them for food.
Farmers also are required to set aside a tithe (a tenth) of their grain, oil, wine, and livestock. A portion was used to feed the priests at the Holy Temple, and a portion to feed the poor.
Today, some families help glean crops to donate to food banks. Others contribute funds to shelters and soup kitchens that help feed the hungry.
What mitzvot are you doing this Sukkot?
From All About Sukkot by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler.
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