Shavuot - Chag Ha’bikurim:
The festival of the first fruit.
Bringing Bikkurim without the Temple.
Back in the days of the Temple, Shavuot was a public celebration of gratitude. Farmers from across the land would bring their bikkurim (first fruits) to Jerusalem in baskets, leading their produce in joyful parades. The Mishnah describes it like this:
“The ox would go before them, its horns plated with gold, and a wreath of olive leaves on its head. The flute would play before them until they approached Jerusalem.” (Mishnah Bikkurim 3:3)
As they arrived, the city would greet them with music, flowers, and warmth:
“All the craftsmen of Jerusalem would stand before them and greet them, saying, ‘Our brothers, people of place “X”, you have come in peace.’”
The Mishnah says that even King Agrippas, carried his own basket of fruit:
“When they reached the Temple Mount, even King Agrippas would take the basket on his shoulder and enter until he reached the Temple Court.” (Mishnah Bikkurim 3:4)
It was a celebration of generosity and togetherness, and everyone had a part to play.
Today, we echo this beautiful tradition by dressing in white with garlands of flowers in our hair. We invite the community to bring in fresh produce to donate. We decorate baskets and have a mini parade before dropping the contributions on the Bima. This opens up an opportunity to discuss food insecurity, food waste, and where our donations are going and who they might help.
This is a tangible way to connect with the Jewish values of giving back, showing thanks, and lifting up others.