Deuteronomy 26

This week’s Torah portion begins with a description of the Bikurim offering. According to Leviticus 23:17, the Bikurim offering is begun every year on Shavuot. The Bikurim, or first fruits, are placed in a basket and brought to the Temple to the Kohayn on duty. The one making the offering then recites a litany from Deuteronomy 26 that recaps the history of the children of Israel. Before coming into the land of the promise. The recitation ends and the first fruits are given to the Kohayn for his consumption. Once the offeror has presented the Bikurim offering, his crops are eligible to be eaten and used. Nothing is allowed to be consumed before the Bikurim offering.

         There is a great misconception about “first fruits” occurring during Pesach. The Omer, or sheaf offering, is brought from the 2^nd day of matzah until Shavuot. This offering is very different from the Bikurim offering. For the sheaf offering a sheaf of grain, one for the entire nation of Israel, is brought to the Kohayn, who brings it up on the altar and waves it. There is no basket, there is no litany, it is grain and not any other fruit, it is simply a very different offering.

         The Bikurim offering came from every farm and field near enough to Jerusalem that the fruits would not spoil during the trip. Every village brought their Bikurim to the Temple together with great celebration and fanfare. Parades from farming towns all over Israel would arrive in Jerusalem with music, drums, and dancing to bring the Bikurim to the Temple. The Bikurim was one of the most joyous offerings in the Temple. Shabbat shalom.