The Working Poor 101
Significance of the Ketubah,” The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society, Number XL VII, Spring 2004, pp. 102 ff. Contemporary halakhic scholars cannot agree as to the exact modern equivalent of 200 zuz though it is clear that 200 zuzim equal 50 shekalim, and each shekel is approximately 20 grams of silver(Encyclopedia Talmudit,“Dinar,” 7:398-406). While the price of silver fluctuates, the halakhic principle stands on the teaching from Peah 8:8. That is that 200 zuzim simply represent one year’s support.
11. Because when he collected the charity he had not yet received the money from his neighbors.
12. Mishnah Peah 8.8 . I am guided in the translation and understanding of this text by Roger Brooks, Support for the Poor in the Mishnaic Law of Agriculture: Tractate Peah(Brown Judaic Studies, Chico , California ) p. 150 ff.
13. Mishneh Torah, Zeraim: Hil. Matenot Aniyim 9.13; Tur Yoreh Deah 253; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 253.1. Cf. Rashi’s commentary to Baba Kama 7a, s.v. Mi she-hu lo sadot.
IS. Levine, pp.107-137. Cf. Mishnah : Peah 5:5 which addresses a situation in which two men who are eligible to receive the tithe work as sharecroppers.“When two[poor men] contracted to sharecrop[separate halves of a single] field, they may give each other the poorman’s tithe. But one who contracts to harvest a field is forbidden to [take for himself] gleanings, forgotten sheaves, peah, or the poor tithe. Rabbi Judah asked:“under what circumstances does this apply? If[the laborer] contracted with the [field’s owner to harvest the field and be paid] one-half, one-third, or one-fourth[of the yield).[In such a case the harvester becomes like an owner.] However, if he[the owner] said to him:“A third[of the produce] you harvest[and bring to the threshing floor] shall belong to you[as payment].”[In that case], he[the laborer] is permitted gleanings, forgotten sheaves and peak[since he is not the owner]. But he is forbidden the poorman’s tithe[since this is designated at the threshing floor].(My analysis is based on Brooks, Support for the Poor, p.93 fF).
16. B. B. M. 92a.