This week’s reading starts with the Mitzvah of Bikkurim: the first fruits. This commandment offers a number of teachings, besides the specific laws of the practical Mitzvah. In this class, two teachings.
Based on Likutei Sichot vol. 2, p. 390
This week’s Torah reading is called “Ki Tavo” – “When you enter”. The first mitzvah (commandment) mentioned in this section is known as “Bikkurim“, which refers to the offering of the first fruits of the harvest. In ancient times, farmers would plow, sow, and tend to their crops, and when the first fruits ripened, they would place them in a basket and bring them to the Holy Temple. Although we no longer have the Temple today (may it be rebuilt speedily in our days), back then, these fruits were brought to the priest, and the farmer would recite a passage of thanks to G-d for the land of Israel and the produce received. The priest would take the fruits, wave them as part of a ceremony, and later eat them.
Now, as is often the case with mitzvot in the Torah, they are not merely laws to follow based on external conditions. Every mitzvah contains deeper teachings and insights. In this particular case, there are two fundamental teachings that reflect the Chassidic view of the world.
Teaching #1:
When a person works the land, plowing, sowing, watering, and nurturing the crops, it requires significant time and effort. Naturally, one might think, “I’ve put in all this hard work, I deserve the best of the fruits.” The first teaching, however, reminds us that it is not by one’s strength or capability alone that these fruits come to be. It is through G-d’s blessing that we have anything at all. Therefore, the mitzvah of bringing the first and best fruits to G-d is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment that everything we have is ultimately a gift from G-d. It teaches us that our entire lives, and all that we possess, are owed to G-d. By offering the first and best of what we have, we recognize G-d’s role in our lives and express our gratitude in a tangible way.
Teaching #2:
A person might assume that the fruits brought to the Temple would be burnt as a sacrifice on the altar. However, the truth is that they were not burnt; they were eaten by the priests. This teaches us another important lesson: everything created by G-d is meant to be used in His service, not to be denied or rejected. It’s a common misconception that in order to serve G-d, one must separate themselves from all worldly pleasures, live in isolation, and abstain from enjoyment. This mitzvah teaches the opposite. Even the pleasures of life, represented by the fruits, can and should be used in the service of G-d.
Fruits symbolize pleasure beyond mere sustenance – after all, one can live on bread and water. But fruits represent enjoyment. The fact that the priests consumed these fruits as part of their service in the Temple teaches us that we should embrace and sanctify pleasure in our own lives. We don’t need to destroy our capacity for pleasure; rather, we should direct it towards the service of G-d.
Each of us must consider how we use our capacity for pleasure. Whether it’s through food, experiences, or other pleasures, we should strive to channel them in a way that aligns with our spiritual goals. For instance, kosher food for Jews, or other forms of ethical living, can serve as an expression of this principle. The idea is not to suppress pleasure but to use it purposefully, in a way that enhances our relationship with God.
In conclusion, from the mitzvah of Bikkurim – the offering of the first fruits – we learn important lessons not only about how things were done historically but also about how these teachings can be applied to our daily lives. We are reminded to acknowledge G-d in all that we have and to sanctify even the physical pleasures of life in our service to Him.
Parshat Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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