A Deeper Form of Thanks

This week’s Torah portion teaches about the Mitzvah of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple). It expresses thanks to G-d for the bounty that he has blessed us with.

Thanking G-d is a major part of a Jew’s life, starting immediately upon awaking from sleep when we say “Modeh Ani” thanking G-d for giving back our soul, and continuing with the many blessings that we say for all the things that G-d gives us. Even non-Jews who believe in G-d thank Him for their sustenance.

The Mitzvah of Bikkurim, however, is a deeper form of thanks. It’s more than words; it’s action – bringing the fruits and leaving them in G-d’s possession (the fruits become sanctified and are given to the Kohanim). This expresses that everything truly belongs to G-d. Not only is the blessing from G-d, but even after He gives it to us, it still belongs to Him.

This action makes the person deeply internalize that he and all that he has belongs to G-d.

(See talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe King Moshiach Shlita, Savo 5751 (1991))