Mitzvah —
252
To set aside Terumah Gedolah (tithe for the Kohen)
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רֵאשִׁ֨ית דְּגָֽנְךָ֜ תִּירֹשְׁךָ֣ וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית גֵּ֥ז צֹאנְךָ֖ תִּתֶּן־לֽוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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Deuteronomy 18:4 - "The first of your grain, your wine, and your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
We are commanded to set aside Terumah Gedolah, a portion of grain, wine, and oil, for the Kohanim.
This mitzvah requires farmers in Eretz Yisrael to separate a portion of their produce (Terumah Gedolah) and give it to the Kohanim. Though the Torah does not specify an exact measure, the Sages established guidelines: a generous person gives 1/40, the average 1/50, and the stingy 1/60.
Terumah is sacred and must be consumed by Kohanim in a state of ritual purity. The mitzvah highlights the bond between Israel and the Kohanim, who serve in the Temple and teach Torah.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 3:1): Codifies the obligation of separating Terumah Gedolah, even if only a small amount is given, as long as it is designated.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 507): Explains that the purpose is to support the Kohanim, who are devoted to the service of Hashem and the teaching of Torah.
- Talmud (Chullin 136b): Notes that the Torah gave no measure for Terumah, leaving its amount to the generosity of the giver.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:4): Identifies Reishit Deganecha as referring to Terumah Gedolah.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 507) explains that giving Terumah demonstrates faith that Hashem provides abundance. By separating from the first produce, the farmer affirms that sustenance comes from G-d, not human effort alone.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 2:1) teaches that Terumah has inherent sanctity and must be eaten only by Kohanim in purity. This sanctifies the harvest and lifts ordinary produce into holiness.
Charity – צְדָקָה
- Talmud (Chullin 136b) notes that although the Torah gave no specific measure, the Sages established guidelines, reflecting charity through generosity. The act of giving supports those without land or fields of their own.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:4) emphasizes that Terumah is due to the Kohen as his rightful share. This frames the mitzvah not as optional generosity but as justice and fairness.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch highlights that Terumah strengthens communal bonds, as the Kohanim — teachers and spiritual leaders — rely on the community’s gifts to sustain their sacred service.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- The mitzvah sanctifies the agricultural process itself. Fields and produce become a means of serving Hashem when the first portions are designated for holiness.
Terumah / Ma’aser – תְּרוּמָה / מַעֲשֵׂר
- Rambam distinguishes Terumah Gedolah from the other tithes: it has no fixed measure and carries a higher sanctity, underscoring its unique role among agricultural gifts.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- The Kohanim depend on Terumah for sustenance, as they have no inheritance in the land (Numbers 18:24). Supporting them enables their full dedication to Temple service and Torah instruction.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Talmud (Kiddushin 38b) teaches that Terumah is a biblical obligation only in the Land of Israel. Outside the land, it is observed rabbinically to preserve the mitzvah’s values.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Separating Terumah is an act of reverence to Hashem, sanctifying the first of the produce to Him and affirming His ownership of the land.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- At the same time, the mitzvah sustains the Kohanim and their families, making it an act of fairness and responsibility toward fellow members of the community.
