×
Friend,    With Purim right around the corner, Sefaria is busy preparing for the “Purim bump” — the increase in users who visit Sefaria to celebrate the holiday. Last year, more than 100,000 people visited the library or used the app to connect with the holiday or read along with Megillat Esther. This year we’re expecting even more.    To help with our text and tech preparations ahead of this busy time, a generous Jewish foundation is matching all gifts to the library up to $36,000.    Please give today to help us meet your learning needs!     
Fruit (p’ri) plays a central role in Judaism, from the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden to the seven species — which includes grapes, figs, and pomegranates — brought as first fruit (bikkurim) offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Notable Sources
All Sources
A
The Forbidden Fruit of the First Three Years
TANAKH
The Torah commands that the fruit of a tree is forbidden for the first three years after it is planted. The book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah, includes this agricultural law as part of its broader theme of holiness.
The Spiritual Fruits of Israel
CHASIDUT
The seven species of fruits are not just agricultural products but are deeply connected to the spiritual attributes of the Land of Israel. In his contemporary work, Zev Reichman explores the mystical connection between the seven species and the seven lower Sephirot, revealing the unique sanctity of the Land of Israel.
The Spiritual Act of First Fruits
CHASIDUT
The commandment of the first fruits (bikkurim) is not just an agricultural practice but a profound spiritual act that connects physical offerings to divine attributes. Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain of Sochatchov, in his early 20th-century homiletical teachings, explores how bringing the first fruits to the Temple symbolizes accepting the yoke of the kingdom of Heaven.
The Mystical New Year for Trees
KABBALAH
Tu BiShvat, the 15th of Shevat, is not just about planting trees but also about the divine flow of abundance from the supernal realms to the earthly realm. The Tu BiShvat seder, originating from the school of Rabbi Isaac Luria, includes prayers, the order of fruits to be eaten, and the blending of wine, all aimed at connecting the physical growth of fruit with spiritual abundance.
Exemptions in 'Orlah Laws
TOSEFTA
The laws of 'orlah, which prohibit consuming fruit from a tree during its early years, have specific exemptions based on the tree's intended use. The Tosefta, a late 2nd-century compilation of Jewish oral law, elaborates on these exemptions and conditions.
The First Sin and the Fruit
SECOND TEMPLE
The story of the first sin involving the fruit is a foundational narrative that explains the human condition and the introduction of sin. Philo of Alexandria, a first-century Jewish philosopher, offers a retelling of the Genesis story, emphasizing the serpent's temptation and the missed opportunity to choose the tree of life.
The Symbolism of the Etrog
JEWISH THOUGHT
The etrog symbolizes the ideal Jew, embodying both Torah knowledge and good deeds. Eliezer Berkovits, a 20th-century Jewish philosopher, explores the symbolic representation of the etrog in the context of Jewish unity and diversity.
Designating the First Fruits
MISHNAH
The Mishnah provides a detailed and fascinating procedure for designating the first fruits, which includes tying a reed-rope around the ripened fruit and, according to Rabbi Shimon, designating them again after they have been plucked. The Mishnah Bikkurim, part of the first order of the Mishnah, Zera'im, outlines the ancient practice of offering the first fruits in the Temple, a practice commemorated today during the festival of Shavuot.
The Patience of Orlah
MUSAR
In his 17th-century work, Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz delves into the Torah's commandment of Orlah, which requires abstaining from eating fruit from a newly planted tree for the first three years. This prohibition underscores the values of patience and sanctity inherent in Jewish agricultural laws.
Pomegranates in the Sanctuary
TANAKH
Pomegranates were a significant decorative element in the sacred space of the inner Sanctuary. The book of II Chronicles details the intricate craftsmanship of the inner Sanctuary, including the use of pomegranates in the chainwork.
The Blessing for New Fruits
HALAKHAH
The Shehecheyanu blessing is a special prayer recited to thank God for new and joyous experiences, such as eating a new fruit for the first time in a season. The Kitzur Shulchan Arukh, a condensed version of the Shulchan Arukh, provides detailed guidelines on when and how to recite this blessing.
Blessings Over Food
GUIDES
Jewish tradition includes specific blessings for different types of food, reflecting a deep appreciation for God's sustenance. The Babylonian Talmud details the blessings recited over various foods, from fruits to grains, emphasizing the importance of gratitude in daily life.
Stamp of Israel - export 1968. Issued: November 6, 1968, Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 425. Designer: Oswald Adler.
Stamp of Israel - export 1968. Issued: November 6, 1968, Israeli postage stamp catalog, Catalog Number: 425. Designer: Oswald Adler.
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible on our site. Click OK to continue using Sefaria. Learn More.OKאנחנו משתמשים ב"עוגיות" כדי לתת למשתמשים את חוויית השימוש הטובה ביותר.קראו עוד בנושאלחצו כאן לאישור