In this week’s Parsha, we read about the process of how the Bikkurim, the first fruits, were brought. The Mishna (Bikkurim 3) explains that there was a grand and festive procession for those who were bringing their first fruits to Yerushalayim and then onto the Beis HaMikdash.
On the way, they were led by flutists and were greeted by dignitaries. There were stations (Ma'amados) with deputations representing the people of all the cities in the district assembled in the open squares to greet them.
When they arrived at the outskirts of Yerushalayim, messengers were sent ahead to announce their arrival. The officers of the Beis HaMikdash came out to meet them, and all the artisans along the streets of Yerushalayim rose before them, greeting them and hailing them as brothers from this area or that area. When they reached the outer court and hall of the Bais HaMikdash, they were welcomed by the Leviim who were singing Tehillim.
The Bikkurim were brought in gold, silver, or willow baskets to which live doves were tied. The doves that were tied to the baskets were given as a Korban and a declaration would be made in front of the Kohain in the Bais HaMikdash.
As we can see, this was a very elaborate and celebrated process that culminated in the declaration in front of the Kohain. What was said in this declaration?
The Passuk says as follows, “You shall go to the Kohain in charge at that time and say to him, ‘I acknowledge this day before Hashem that I have entered the land that Hashem swore to our fathers to give to us.’” (Devarim 26:3).
The Ramban explains that the point of the declaration is to state that Hashem keeps His word – He gave us the land that He promised to our fathers.
We must note that the entire celebration and elaborate procedure of the bringing of the Bikkurim culminates in a declaration that begins with the recognition of Hashem’s Middah of Emes - He keeps His word. This underscores the importance and centrality of keeping our word and our commitment to Emes.
So important is the Middah of Emes that it is reflected in our very name. The people of Bnei Yisrael are called “Yehudim.” This is after Yehuda, the son of Yaakov Avinu. Why are we named after Yehuda? Chazal state that Yehuda admitted his mistake and acknowledged Tamar's righteousness, which is why it is appropriate for us to be named after him.
