To set aside Terumah Gedolah (tithe for the Kohen)

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.