Mitzvah —
270
To set aside the first fruits and bring them to the Temple
This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.
Do a Mitzvah — Join us in building a living digital Beit Midrash — your partnership makes it possible.
-
רֵאשִׁ֗ית בִּכּוּרֵי֙ אַדְמָ֣תְךָ֔ תָּבִ֕יא בֵּ֖ית יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ לֹֽא־תְבַשֵּׁ֥ל גְּדִ֖י בַּחֲלֵ֥ב אִמּֽוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
-
Exodus 23:19 - "The choicest of the first fruits of your soil you shall bring to the house of the Lord, your God. You shall not cook a kid in its mother's milk."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
We are commanded to bring the first fruits of the Land of Israel to the Temple as an offering of gratitude and praise to Hashem.
This mitzvah commands that the first fruits (Bikkurim) from the seven species of the Land of Israel (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates) be brought to the Temple. The mitzvah sanctifies the harvest by giving the earliest and best produce to Hashem.
Farmers would ascend to Jerusalem with joy, processions, and song, carrying baskets of fruit, declaring gratitude to Hashem for the land and its bounty. This offering transformed agriculture into worship, acknowledging Hashem as the source of livelihood and blessing.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 2:1): Rules that Bikkurim must be brought from the seven species, with a declaration of thanksgiving made in the Temple.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 606): Explains that the root of the mitzvah is gratitude and recognition that all sustenance flows from Hashem.
- Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:2–6): Describes the joyful pilgrimage to Jerusalem with Bikkurim, complete with music, decorations, and public celebration.
- Talmud (Pesachim 36b): Notes that the mitzvah is specifically tied to the sanctity of the Land of Israel.
- Rashi (Exodus 23:19): Emphasizes that the Torah requires the first and choicest fruits, as a mark of respect to Hashem.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 606) explains that Bikkurim expresses faith by recognizing Hashem as the source of all blessing. Bringing the first fruits shows reliance on Him for future harvests.
Gratitude – הוֹדָיָה
- Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:2–6) describes the processions of joy and thanksgiving. Farmers carried baskets of fruit and publicly declared gratitude to Hashem, turning their offerings into acts of praise.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 2:1) emphasizes that Bikkurim are sanctified for Hashem. By separating the choicest fruit, ordinary produce becomes an object of holiness in Divine service.
Blessing – בְּרָכָה
- Talmud (Berachot 35a) links agricultural mitzvot to blessings. Reciting the Mikra Bikkurim (the declaration) transforms the act of bringing fruit into a blessing of Hashem’s name.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Rashi (Exodus 23:19) stresses that the mitzvah applies to the “first and choicest” produce. This sanctifies agriculture itself, ensuring that farming honors Hashem.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Talmud (Pesachim 36b) teaches that Bikkurim apply only to produce grown in Israel. The mitzvah highlights the land’s unique sanctity and its role in Divine service.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam and Mishnah describe that Bikkurim were brought directly to the Temple, tying agriculture to Jerusalem and the service of Hashem’s house.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:2–6) depicts communal pilgrimages: groups of farmers traveled together with music and song, fostering national unity and shared celebration.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- The Torah commands that the offering be brought to Hashem’s house. Rashi explains that offering the choicest fruits shows awe and respect for Hashem’s greatness.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- This mitzvah is primarily directed to Hashem: the first and best of one’s produce is returned to its Divine source, cultivating reverence and devotion.
.webp)
