Home -- Content: Series 7 (Laws) -- Translation: English -- Book: 1 (Tora) -- Part: 1 (Positive) -- Command: 125 -- Text
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The Sharia of Moses in the TORA
Part 1 - The 248 Positive Commandments of the Tora
125 - FIRST-FRUITS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE SANCTUARY
It is clear that this commandment is binding only during the existence of the temple, and it applies only to fruits grown in the Land of Israel, in Syria, and in Trans-jordania. The seven kinds of products are:
Describing the procession of the owners in taking up the first-fruits to Jerusalem, the Mishnah says: “The flute was played before them until they drew nigh to Jerusalem. When they arrived near Jerusalem, they sent messengers in advance, and bedecked their first-fruits. The governors and chiefs and the treasurers of the temple went out to meet them. According to the rank of the entrants used they to go forth. And all the craftsmen of Jerusalem used to rise up before them and greet them, saying, ‘Brethren, men of such-and-such a place, ye are welcome!’ The flute was played before them until they reached the temple mount. When they reached the temple mount, even Agrippa the king would take his basket on his shoulder and enter in as far as the temple court. When they reached the temple court, the Levites sang the song, “I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me.” (Psalms 30:1)”*
The sages declared it permissible for one to set aside his whole field as first-fruits, so that he who did so became obliged to bring them to the temple mount. Along with the first-fruits the owner had to bring a peace-offering. Music was required as an accompaniment to the fulfilling of this commandment.*