Mitzvah —
268
The fourth year crops must be totally for holy purposes like the Second Tithe
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וּבַשָּׁנָה֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔ת יִהְיֶ֖ה כׇּל־פִּרְי֑וֹ קֹ֥דֶשׁ הִלּוּלִ֖ים לַיהֹוָֽה׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
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Leviticus 19:24 - "And in the fourth year, all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
All fruit of the fourth year (Neta Reva’i) must be treated as holy and brought to Jerusalem to be eaten in sanctity, like Ma’aser Sheni.
This mitzvah commands that fruit from the fourth year after planting (Neta Reva’i) be considered holy and eaten in Jerusalem, just as Ma’aser Sheni. The first three years’ produce is prohibited as Orlah, but the fourth year elevates the fruit as an offering of praise to Hashem.
By dedicating the fourth-year fruit, the mitzvah transforms agriculture into worship, training Israel to sanctify even ordinary produce. It reflects gratitude for the blessings of the land and reinforces Jerusalem as the center of holiness and celebration.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 10:1): Rules that all fourth-year fruit is sanctified like Ma’aser Sheni and must be consumed in Jerusalem or redeemed onto money to be used there.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 246): Explains that the mitzvah’s root is gratitude — to remind us that the land’s bounty comes from Hashem, and the first years of fruit culminate in an offering of praise.
- Talmud (Berachot 35a): Interprets the phrase “praise to Hashem” (hilulim) as referring to blessing and song, sanctifying the act of eating.
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:24): Notes that the fourth year elevates the tree from prohibition (orlah) to sanctity (neta reva’i), a transition symbolizing growth in holiness.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 246) explains that dedicating the fourth-year fruit strengthens faith by reminding us that the land’s produce is Hashem’s gift. Bringing it to Jerusalem reinforces reliance on Him for sustenance.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 10:1) rules that Neta Reva’i is treated like Ma’aser Sheni — holy food to be eaten in sanctity in Jerusalem. This sanctification elevates ordinary agriculture into sacred service.
Gratitude – הוֹדָיָה
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:24) interprets “praise” (hilulim) as expressions of thanks. The mitzvah cultivates gratitude by requiring us to dedicate the first fruits of maturity to Hashem in thanksgiving.
Blessing – בְּרָכָה
- Talmud (Berachot 35a) associates the verse with blessing and song, teaching that eating Neta Reva’i involves praising Hashem. The mitzvah connects food with verbal blessings.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Sefer HaChinuch highlights that the agricultural cycle begins with restriction (Orlah), then gratitude (Neta Reva’i), before settling into regular harvest. This process embeds spiritual awareness into farming.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- The mitzvah applies biblically in the Land of Israel (Kiddushin 38b–39a). It ties the sanctity of the land directly to its produce, underscoring Israel’s unique holiness.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- By bringing fruit to Jerusalem, families and communities shared in festive meals, reinforcing national unity and collective joy before Hashem.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Rambam notes that the sanctification of the fourth year’s fruit instills reverence by demanding care in its consumption. It prevents casual use of what Hashem has designated as holy.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah is fundamentally about our relationship with Hashem, turning produce into praise. It transforms eating into worship, aligning daily life with Divine service.
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