PURPOSE OF CREATION

בס”ד

A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT KI TAVO 5784

Introduction

In this blog, we take note of the Jewish laws in Deuteronomy 26:1, where the Jewish people are instructed to bring the first fruits of the land to G-d.

1 And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the L-RD thy Gd giveth thee for an inheritance, and dost possess it, and dwell therein;	א  וְהָיָה, כִּי-תָבוֹא אֶל-הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר ד’ אֱלֹקיךָ, נֹתֵן לְךָ נַחֲלָה; וִירִשְׁתָּהּ, וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בָּהּ.
2 that thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which thou shalt bring in from thy land that the L-RD thy G-d giveth thee; and thou shalt put it in a basket and shalt go unto the place which the L-RD thy God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there.	ב  וְלָקַחְתָּ מֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל-פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶׁר תָּבִיא מֵאַרְצְךָ אֲשֶׁר יד אֱלֹקיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ–וְשַׂמְתָּ בַטֶּנֶא; וְהָלַכְתָּ, אֶל-הַמָּקוֹם, אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר ד’ אֱלֹהֶיךָ, לְשַׁכֵּן שְׁמוֹ שָׁם.

The term מֵרֵאשִׁית  (from the first) in verse 2 evokes the  בְּרֵאשִׁית (In the beginning) of Genesis 1:1. Chazal (the sages) teach that the purpose of creation is to bring these first, best fruits of the land to G-d. The role of fruit is significant from Genesis 1 through 4. Adam was instructed to eat from all the trees of the garden, as eating the fruit was a way to thank and praise G-d for His creation and to recognize Him as King. Cain and Abel sought to express their gratitude to G-d through offerings. 

Genesis 4:3-4

3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the L-RD.	ג  וַיְהִי, מִקֵּץ יָמִים; וַיָּבֵא קַיִן מִפְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה, מִנְחָה—לַד’.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the L-RD had respect unto Abel and to his offering;	ד  וְהֶבֶל הֵבִיא גַם-הוּא מִבְּכֹרוֹת צֹאנוֹ, וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן; וַיִּשַׁע ד’, אֶל-הֶבֶל וְאֶל-מִנְחָתוֹ.

The Difference in Offerings

G-d accepted Abel’s offering but not for Cain’s. What made Abel’s offering more acceptable? The text suggests that Cain simply brought something from what the land (הָאֲדָמָה – adama) had yielded, without putting any significant effort into it. Abel, on the other hand, brought from his firstlings (צֹאנ֖וֹ – tsono), which required considerable effort, toil, and personal investment. Abel offered not just any gift, but the firstborn of his flock, something that brought him the most joy.

In Parsha Ki Tavo, the farmers worked diligently throughout the year: clearing stones, plowing, sowing, removing impurities and pests, watering, and so on. Finally, after all their hard work, the first fruits emerged. This fruit, marked with a special sign, was brought to the Kohen in the Temple, the place G-d had chosen to dwell. Unlike other offerings, the first fruits (bikkurim) were not burned on the altar but were given directly to the Cohen.

Purpose of the First Fruits

The sacrifices (korbanot) were intended to bring people closer to G-d, while the first fruits were meant to elevate the physical world. They symbolized the acknowledgment that, despite the hard work, it is G-d who provided the fruits, and returning the best to Him recognizes His Kingship. The purpose of creation is to recognize and affirm His Kingship. There can be no King without servants acknowledging Him.

It is not a coincidence that this Parsha is read in the month of Elul, a time when the King is metaphorically in the field, close to those who wish to acknowledge Him and offer their gifts. But what are our gifts and fruits?

Symbolism of the First Fruits

The seven types of fruits brought as bikkurim symbolize the seven attributes of a person, such as loving-kindness and strength. Our attributes are like trees; we must work hard to cultivate them. We sometimes make wrong decisions and need to prune or remove branches — repent — and nourish the healthy branches through Torah study and Mussar.

To bear good attributes, we must invest time and effort. When we succeed and experience moments of joy and pride, that is when we should bring our “first fruits” to G-d in thanksgiving. By doing so, we acknowledge Him as the King of Creation and, in this case, the King of spiritual fruits.

The Role of Israel

The Jewish people, as G-d’s “Firstborn Son,” were intended to fulfill the purpose of creation by acknowledging His Kingship. Their recognition of His Kingship would pave the way for a universal acknowledgment of God as King. The bikkurim (first fruits) were presented with a specific blessing that could only be said once all the tribes had settled in the land, approximately 14 years after entering it. This contrasts with individual blessings over everyday items like apples, wine, or pleasant smells, which can be recited by individuals.

The word “land” (eretz) is etymologically linked to the word “will” (ratzon). When Israel fully rules over the land and aligns its will with G-d’s will, they will be able to offer the first fruits as a unified people with special blessings. This reflects Israel’s broader purpose: to illuminate the nations with the light of the Torah, teaching them how to develop their attributes in accordance with divine will.

In this context, the first fruits symbolize the initial step towards a greater universal acknowledgment of G-d. The Noahide believers, as the first fruits of this era, represent the beginning of a broader process. Just as the bikkurim are the first of the harvest and symbolize a greater yield to come, these Noahides signify the start of a larger influx of people from the nations. They come to recognize and embrace G-d, fulfilling the prophecy given to Zechariah:

Zechariah 14:9: 

9 And the L-RD shall be King over all the earth; in that day shall the L-RD be One, and His name one.

ט  וְהָיָה ד’ לְמֶלֶךְ, עַל-כָּל-הָאָרֶץ; בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, יִהְיֶה ד’ אֶחָד–וּשְׁמוֹ אֶחָד.

After these first fruits, more and more people from the nations will come, clinging metaphorically to the Jewish man’s tzitzit [2] seeking to be taught about G-d. This growing influx will signify the fulfillment of G-d’s promise and the realization of His universal Kingship. By acknowledging G-d through their efforts, Israel leads the way for a broader recognition of His sovereignty, as prophesied.

As we approach this significant time, let us reflect on our role in this grand vision, strive to improve our attributes, and work towards increasing G-d’s Kingship on earth.

By Angelique Sijbolts

With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
With Thanks to B. Yaniger for the inspiration

Sources:

[1] Except from the Tree of Knowledge that stood in the middle of the garden It was not that Adam and Chava were never allowed to eat from that tree, but they should have waited until the seventh day, the Shabbat.
[2] The word tzitzit (צִיצִית) is literally defined as “fringes,” and refers to the strings attached to the corners of the tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl.

כֹּֽה־אָמַר֮ ד’ צְבָאוֹת֒ בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֔מָּה אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַחֲזִ֙יקוּ֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים מִכֹּ֖ל לְשֹׁנ֣וֹת הַגּוֹיִ֑ם וְֽהֶחֱזִ֡יקוּ בִּכְנַף֩ אִ֨ישׁ יְהוּדִ֜י לֵאמֹ֗ר נֵֽלְכָה֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם כִּ֥י שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ אֱלֹקים עִמָּכֶֽם׃ 

Thus said G-d of Hosts: In those days, ten people from nations of every tongue will take hold—they will take hold of every Jew by a corner of their cloak and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that G-d is with you.” (Zechariah 8:23)

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