To set aside the first fruits and bring them to the Temple

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.