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On the surface, Bikkurim appears to be an ordinary, tithe-like Mitzvah. When the first fruits of a season’s crop begin to sprout, you designate them as Bikkurim, and eventually bring them to Jerusalem with much pomp and ceremony. Upon closer examination, this mitzvah is associated with all kinds of surprising people: When we bring the Bikkurim we invoke Pharaoh and the Egyptian experience and Jacob’s father-in-law Laban, of all people. In addition, the Midrash makes a stunning statement that Bikkurim is emblematic of the reason why God created the world. In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we propose a novel explanation of the Mitzvah of Bikkurim that reveals it’s association with Pharaoh and Laban, and offer a new rationale for why it represents the goal of creation.
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This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in loving memory and leilui nishmas Yidit Esther bas Yonah, the mother of our dear friend and longtime TORCH Board member, Josh Blackman. Yidit Esther passed away this morning in NY. May her Soul be elevated in Heaven.
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Please email me at rabbiwolbe@gmail.com with any questions or comments
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