3,618. Bringing the First Fruits to Jerusalem

Hilchos Bikkurim 4:16

First fruits are brought to Jerusalem as follows: all the residents of the towns in a given region get together in the central town of that area so as not to go to Jerusalem individually. This is because Proverbs 14:28 tells us, “The glory of the King is in a multitude of people.”

They sleep in the town square and not in people’s homes out of a concern that someone in the house might die and render them unclean. In the morning, the leader announces: “Arise and let us ascend to Zion, to Hashem our God” (Jer. 31:5). An ox with its horns covered in gold is driven before the procession. A wreath of olivewood is placed on its head to demonstrate that first fruits come from the seven species for which the Torah praises Israel. A flute is played as they approach Jerusalem. They walk the whole way and exclaim, “I rejoiced when I was told, ‘Let’s go to the House of Hashem’” (Psalms 122:1). They only traveled for two-thirds of the day.

When they got near Jerusalem, they sent messengers ahead to inform the residents of their arrival and they decorated their first fruits. If there was fresh produce and dried produce, they would put the fresh produce on top. The leaders of the Jews and of the kohanim and the Temple treasurers would leave Jerusalem to greet them. The size of the “welcoming committee” was based on how many people were coming; if many were coming, many would greet them, and if few were coming, fewer would greet them. Once they all entered within the gates of Jerusalem, they start reciting Psalms 122:2: “Our legs were standing within your gates, Jerusalem.”

Hilchos Bikkurim 4:17

All the craftsmen of Jerusalem would stand in their honor and greet them by saying, “Our brethren, the residents of (city X), you have come in peace.” They pass through Jerusalem to the sound of the flute until they reach the Temple Mount. When they arrive, each puts his first fruits on his shoulders and recites Psalm 150: “Hallelujah, praise God in His holiness” through “Every soul praise God, hallelujah!” They continue to the Temple courtyard. When they arrive, the Leviim start singing Psalm 30: “I will exalt You, because You have lifted me up....”