The Parsha opens up with the mitzvah of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash. Interestingly, Rashi explains on the posuk, “ ושמחת בכל הטוב אשר נתן לך ה' אלוקיך" that one must read the parsha of bikkurim besimcha. Additionally the mishnayos in Meseches Bikkurim describe the context of the atmosphere in the Beis Hamikdash at the time of the bringing of the Bikkurim to be with songs and music. One must ask what is so special about bikkurim that there is such a stress on simcha and song? By no other korban and gift to Hashem do we have such requirements, why now?

In Breishis Raba (1:4) chazal state that in the merit of three items the world was created....the mitzvah of bikkurim. What is so special about bikkurim?

The truth is that Bikkurim is very different than the rest of the Korabanos that we bring to Hashem. By all other korbanos, we bring the specific animal we are required to bring for whatever the known situation is. In contrast, by Bikkurim, the first fruits are brought even before the farmer knows how the harvest will end up being. At the beginning of every harvest, there is a tremendous amount of excitement as the farmer begins to appreciate the fruits of his labor. It is exactly with that excitement, he is supposed to bring the Bikkurim. He is supposed to thank Hashem for the successful harvest he will have. When the Bikkurim are brought the farmer is coming to the Beis Hamikdash to say how much emunah and bitachon he has in Hashem that the harvest will be as plentiful as Bikkurim seem to be.

Perhaps that is why the moment that Bikkurim are brought is celebrated becuase it isn't just a celebration of the fruit but rather a celebration of the relationship the farmer has with Hashem. This may also explain why the Midrash explains why the world was created in the merit of Bikkurim. Hashem created the world so that a relationship could exist between the Creator and His creations. The mitzvah of Bikkurim expresses the efforts made by the creations to build that relationship.

The month of Elul is about building a strong and genuine relationship with Hashem. Bikkurim is a great example of how mankind can build that relationship.

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