This week’s parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim—the dedication of the first fruits of the seven species (shivas haminim) of the Land, as it says: "אֶרֶץ חִטָּה שׂוְּעֹרָה וְגֶפֶן וּתְאֵנָה וְרִוֹמּן אֶרֶץ זֵית שֶׁמֶן וּדְבָשׁ" ("A land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey.") (Devarim 8:8).
These fruits are brought to the Beis Ha’Mikdash and offered to the Kohen. When the landowner sees the first fruits ripening, he marks them with a reed and declares: "הַבִּוּכּרִים הַלָּלוּ לִי בִּוּכּרִים" ("Behold, these are Bikkurim!") (Bikkurim 3:1). Later, he brings these Bikkurim to Yerushalayim, where a joyous procession takes place, as described in the Mishnah: "השור הולך לפניהם וקרניו מצופות זהב ועטרה של זית בראשו והחליל מכה לפניהם" ("The ox goes before them, its horns covered in gold and an olive wreath on its head, and the flute plays before them.") (Bikkurim 3:3).
Regarding the giving of the fruits, the Gemara (Bava Kamma 92a) teaches: "אמר ליה רבא לרבה בר מרי: מנא הא מילתא דאמרי אינשי: בתר עניא אזלא עניותא? אמר ליה, דתנן: עשירים מביאין בכורים בקלתות של זהב ושל כסף, ועניים - בסלי נצרים של ערבה קלופה, הסלים והבכורים נותנים לכהנים" ("Rava said to Rabbah bar Mari: From where is this idea that people say, ‘Poverty follows after the poor’ derived? He replied: From our Mishnah: Wealthy people bring Bikkurim in golden and silver baskets, while the poor bring them in willow baskets. Both the baskets and the fruits are given to the Kohanim.") The wealthy would present their Bikkurim in silver and gold baskets, while the poor used simple willow baskets. The poor gave both their fruit and baskets to the Kohanim, but the wealthy retained their baskets. Thus, the poor had their modest offerings, including their baskets, taken, while the opulent baskets of the rich were returned to them.
The Kohanim did not return the baskets of the poor to preserve their dignity. Removing the fruits publicly might have embarrassed them due to the smallness of their offering. Therefore, the Kohanim took the fruit together with the basket, avoiding a public display of their poverty. Much like today’s fruit baskets, where padding like straw is used to make the basket appear fuller, the poor’s baskets of fruit looked more impressive when kept within the basket.
However, the wealthy, who brought an abundance of high-quality fruit, had their baskets returned to honor their contribution without making them feel superior. This balanced approach—acknowledging the contributions of all while ensuring no one feels inferior or superior—demonstrates a sensitivity that is especially crucial during this time of year.
This teaches us how great our obligation is to avoid embarrassing another person. As we approach Yom HaDin (the Day of Judgment) in this final month of the year, it is a time to reflect on our interactions with others and consider which middos (character traits) we need to improve. The Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:7) highlights another concern: "בָּרִאוֹשׁנָה, כָּל מִי שֶׁוֹיּדֵעַ לִקְרוֹת, קוֹרֵא. וְכָל מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ לִקְרוֹת, מַקְרִין אוֹתוֹ. נִמְנְעוּ מִלְּהָבִיא, הִתְקִינוּ שֶׁיְּהוּ מַקְרִין אֶת מִי שֶׁוֹיּדֵעַ וְאֶת מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ" ("Initially, anyone who knew how to read would read, and whoever didn’t know how to read, the Kohen would read for him. However, people refrained from bringing [Bikkurim] due to shame, so it was decreed that the Kohen would read for everyone—both those who knew how to read and those who didn’t.") Rav Ovadiah of Bartenura adds: "נמנעו מלהביא. מפני הבושה שאינו יודע לקרות" ("They refrained from bringing due to the embarrassment of not knowing how to read.") Many, ashamed of their lack of knowledge, stopped bringing their first fruits altogether. To address this, the Mishnah decreed that everyone, regardless of education, had to repeat the words after the Kohen, preserving the dignity of all participants.
Chazal understood that poverty is a challenge, but the poor should not be made to feel ashamed. This is why the Kohanim took the baskets immediately to preserve the dignity of the poor. The concern over education affected both rich and poor, so Chazal decreed that no one, regardless of status, should recite the Bikkurim portion from memory. This ensured that everyone—rich or poor, learned or unlearned—was treated equally, protecting their dignity and creating an inclusive environment.
It is told of Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, known for his great love for every Jew, that once on Yom Kippur, a poor man entered the synagogue dressed in tattered, simple clothes. His clothing was so ragged that he was ashamed to stand before the congregation. מסופר על רבי לוי יצחק מברדיטשוב, שהיה ידוע באהבתו הגדולה לכל יהודי, שפעם ביום הכיפורים נכנס יהודי עני לבית הכנסת, לבוש בבגד פשוט וקרוע. בגדיו היו כל כך מרופטים שהוא התבייש לעבור לפני הציבור. Reb Levi Yitzchak, noticing the man's distress, immediately approached him and asked him to follow. He led the poor man to the front of the synagogue and embraced him warmly. In front of the entire crowd, Reb Levi Yitzchak joyfully declared, "How fortunate we are to have this holy man praying with us today! His prayers, offered in pure humility, rise directly to the heavens." רבי לוי יצחק, ששם לב למצוקתו של העני, ניגש אליו מיד וביקש ממנו ללכת אחריו. הוא הוביל את האיש העני אל קדמת בית הכנסת וחיבק אותו בחום. מול כל הקהל, הכריז בשמחה גדולה: 'כמה מאושרים אנחנו שיש לנו את האיש הקדוש הזה המתפלל עמנו היום! תפילותיו, שנאמרות בענווה טהורה, עולות ישירות לשמים'.
Reb Levi Yitzchak’s actions are a profound embodiment of the message of Bikkurim. Just as the Kohanim ensured that the poor’s dignity was preserved by taking both the fruits and their simple baskets, Reb Levi Yitzchak ensured that the poor man’s dignity was preserved by celebrating him publicly and emphasizing the value of his prayers. Reb Levi Yitzchak’s approach aligns with the values reflected in the mitzvah of Bikkurim: honoring every individual's dignity, regardless of their material wealth or status. This balance of respect and sensitivity teaches us that every person’s worth is inherent and must be upheld in all circumstances.
As we prepare for the Yomim Noraim, let's think about how we treat others, making sure we lift them up and show them respect, without causing embarrassment. This matches the true spirit of the Yomim Noraim—a time for self-reflection, repentance, and renewal. It's not only about personal growth but also about building a kind and respectful community, where everyone feels valued, no matter their status or wealth.
