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Deuteronomy 26:2 - First fruits, holy gratitude offering.

Deuteronomy 26:2 - דברים 26:2

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ מֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל־פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר תָּבִיא מֵאַרְצְךָ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ וְשַׂמְתָּ בַטֶּנֶא וְהָלַכְתָּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְשַׁכֵּן שְׁמוֹ שָׁם׃

English Translation

that thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the Lord thy God gives thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go to the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there.

Transliteration

Velakachta mereishit kol-pri ha'adama asher tavi me'artzecha asher Adonai Elohecha noten lach vesamta bateine vehalachta el-hamakom asher yivchar Adonai Elohecha leshakein shemo sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ מֵרֵאשִׁ֣ית <b>׀</b> כׇּל־פְּרִ֣י הָאֲדָמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר תָּבִ֧יא מֵֽאַרְצְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָ֖ךְ וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ בַטֶּ֑נֶא וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙ אֶל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖וֹ שָֽׁם׃
וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ מֵרֵאשִׁ֣ית ׀ כׇּל־פְּרִ֣י הָאֲדָמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר תָּבִ֧יא מֵֽאַרְצְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָ֖ךְ וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ בַטֶּ֑נֶא וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֙ אֶל־הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִבְחַר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן שְׁמ֖וֹ שָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Bikkurim (First Fruits)

The verse (Devarim 26:2) describes the mitzvah of Bikkurim, the obligation to bring the first fruits of one's harvest to the Beit HaMikdash. This mitzvah applies to the seven species for which Eretz Yisrael is praised (Devarim 8:8), as explained in Mishnah Bikkurim 1:3. Rashi emphasizes that this mitzvah is a demonstration of gratitude to Hashem for granting the land and its produce.

The Significance of "Reishit" (First)

The term "מֵרֵאשִׁית" (from the first) teaches that one must set aside the very first fruits that ripen, not later produce (Rambam, Hilchot Bikkurim 2:1). The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 297) connects this to the concept of dedicating the first and best to Hashem, just as He is the "ראשית" (first) of all creation.

The Basket (Tene) and Its Symbolism

The instruction to place the fruits in a "טֶנֶא" (basket) carries deeper meaning. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 88b) states that wealthy individuals brought their Bikkurim in baskets of gold or silver, while the poor used woven willow baskets—yet all were equally cherished. This teaches that the mitzvah's value lies in the intent, not the material display.

Journey to "The Place Hashem Chooses"

The phrase "אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר ה'" refers to the Beit HaMikdash in Yerushalayim (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1). The Sifrei notes that this mitzvah could only be fulfilled once the Mishkan was established in a permanent location, highlighting the inseparable connection between the land's bounty and the Divine Presence in the Mikdash.

Spiritual Lessons from Bikkurim

  • Gratitude: The mitzvah cultivates appreciation for Hashem's blessings (Sefer HaChinuch 606).
  • Humility: Reciting the accompanying declaration (Devarim 26:5-10) reminds us that our success comes from Divine providence (Ramban).
  • Unity: The pilgrimage to Yerushalayim united all of Klal Yisrael in shared service of Hashem (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bikkurim 3a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of bringing first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple, detailing the procedure and the declaration made when presenting the fruits.
📖 Sotah 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the recitation of specific biblical passages, including the declaration made when bringing the first fruits.
📖 Menachot 84b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the requirement of bringing the first fruits in a basket and the significance of this act in the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:2 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:2 commands the Jewish people to bring the first fruits (Bikkurim) of their harvest to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem, the place chosen by Hashem. This mitzvah expresses gratitude to Hashem for the land's produce and acknowledges His role in providing sustenance.
Q: Why is bringing the first fruits important?
A: Bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) is important because it demonstrates gratitude to Hashem for the land's bounty. The Talmud (Bikkurim 3:1) explains that this mitzvah reminds us that everything comes from Hashem. By dedicating the first and best portion of the harvest, we prioritize our relationship with Him.
Q: How was the mitzvah of Bikkurim performed in ancient times?
A: According to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3), farmers would tie a reed around the first ripening fruits. When ready, they would place them in a basket, bring them to the Beit HaMikdash, and recite a declaration (Deuteronomy 26:3-10). The Kohen (priest) would then take the basket and place it near the altar.
Q: Does the mitzvah of Bikkurim apply today?
A: Since the Beit HaMikdash is not standing today, the mitzvah of Bikkurim cannot be performed in its full form. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 1:1) notes that the underlying principle—expressing gratitude to Hashem—remains relevant. Many people apply this by giving the first portion of their earnings to tzedakah (charity).
Q: What can we learn from the mitzvah of Bikkurim today?
A: The mitzvah teaches us to recognize Hashem as the source of all blessings and to express gratitude. Rashi (on Deuteronomy 26:2) emphasizes that we must not take our possessions for granted. Today, we can apply this by acknowledging Hashem's kindness in our lives and sharing our blessings with others.