In their Bibles the Jews and the Christians are exhorted that when harvesting their crops they should “leave some grain in the corners of the field”  This was so that the poor could glean and survive without begging.  Glean is a somewhat archaic word meaning “to gather (grain or the like) after the reapers or regular gatherers.”  Since most of us are no longer farmers how can we fulfill this biblical injunction today?  I propose that we think of coins we get as change in markets and restaurants as the “grain in the corner of the field” and following the biblical injunction we should leave it where people poorer than us can find it.

• In a fast food restaurant leave the change on the counter.
• When you get change at the post office leave it on the retaining wall outside.
• At the clothing store throw the coins you get as change in the bushes outside the store.
• When there is a tip jar always put at least the coins you get as change in it.

Leaving something for the gleaners is direct charity.  It doesn’t involve middlemen, administrative expenses or thank you notes.  The finder is blessed but not obligated.  According to Maimonides Eight Levels of Charity giving anonymously to an unknown recipient is this the second highest level of charity. By leaving your change you can be charitable everyday.

Other benefits that will accrue to you and society are:

• You will move faster through your day if you are not fussing with change.
• The poor will be slightly less dependent on government programs.
• You will have the nice feeling that comes from having done a good deed.
• Your purse, and your heart will be lighter, saving energy and increasing happiness.

Some math:  100 million people make transactions each day that generate about 30 cents of change.  If half of this were left for the poor it would be $15 million dollars a day.  About 5 billion dollars a year.

Make a change.  Leave your change.  Its the new gleaning.

Resolve to start today and see how it feels.

This is one of my Faith, Hope and Charity series.  Read them all.