א׳
א׳עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבַּע מַתָּנוֹת נִתְּנוּ לַכֹּהֲנִים וְכֻלָּן מְפֹרָשִׁין בַּתּוֹרָה. וְעַל כֻּלָּן נִכְרְתָה בְּרִית לְאַהֲרֹן. וְכָל כֹּהֵן שֶׁאֵינוֹ מוֹדֶה בָּהֶן אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק בַּכֹּהֲנִים וְאֵין נוֹתְנִין לוֹ מַתָּנָה מֵהֶן:
1There are 24 presents that are given to the priests.1The Rambam specifies and categorizes them in this chapter. All of them are explicitly mentioned in the Torah. A covenant was established with Aaron over all of them.2Numbers 18:19 speaks of 'an eternal covenant of salt.' It is called a covenant of salt, because just as salt never spoils, so too, this covenant will endure forever (Rashi). Any priest who does not acknowledge them3The Kessef Mishneh notes that Menachot 18b, the Rambam's apparent source, states: 'Any priest that does not acknowledge the priestly service does not receive a portion of the priesthood.' The Kessef Mishneh questions why the Rambam changes the wording of his source. does not have a portion in the priesthood and he is not given any of these presents.
ב׳וְכָל הָאוֹכֵל מַתָּנָה שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ קְדֻשָּׁה מְבָרֵךְ אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בִּקְדֻשָּׁתוֹ שֶׁל אַהֲרֹן וְצִוָּנוּ לֶאֱכל כָּךְ וְכָךְ:
2Every [priest] who partakes of one of the presents [given to the priests] that is sanctified4E.g., like terumah or the first fruits which are referred to as 'holy.' should recite a blessing: '[Blessed are You].. who sanctified us with the sanctity of Aaron and commanded us to partake of...' [mentioning the particular type of present he is eating].5These presents also include elements of the sacrificial offerings. The Rambam speaks about the mitzvah to partake of these sacred foods in Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:1-2. And see Hilchot Terumah 15:22 which describes partaking of terumah.
ג׳שְׁמוֹנֶה מַתָּנוֹת מֵהֶם אֵין אוֹכְלִים אוֹתָן הַכֹּהֲנִים אֶלָּא בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ לְפָנִים מֵחוֹמַת הָעֲזָרָה. וְחָמֵשׁ מַתָּנוֹת אֵין אוֹכְלִין אוֹתָן אֶלָּא בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם לְפָנִים מֵחוֹמַת הָעִיר. וְחָמֵשׁ מַתָּנוֹת אֵין זוֹכִין בָּהֶן מִן הַתּוֹרָה אֶלָּא בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּלְבַד. וְחָמֵשׁ מַתָּנוֹת זוֹכִין בָּהֶן בֵּין בָּאָרֶץ בֵּין בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ. וּמַתָּנָה אַחַת זוֹכִין בָּהּ מִן הַמִּקְדָּשׁ:
3Eight of the presents may be eaten by the priests only in the Sanctuary, within the walls of the Temple Courtyard.6See Halachah 4. The division of the presents into these categories is not found in a prior Rabbinic source, but instead, was made by the Rambam himself (Kessef Mishneh). Five of them may be eaten only in Jerusalem within the walls of the city.7See Halachah 5. According to Scriptural Law, there are five presents that are acquired [by the priests] only in Eretz Yisrael.8See Halachah 6. There are five presents that they acquire both in Eretz Yisrael and in the Diaspora.9See Halachah 7. And there is one present that that they acquire from the Temple's [property].10See Halachah 8.
ד׳מַה הֵן הַשְּׁמוֹנֶה שֶׁאֵין נֶאֱכָלִין אֶלָּא בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ. בְּשַׂר הַחַטָּאת אֶחָד חַטַּאת הָעוֹף וְאֶחָד חַטַּאת הַבְּהֵמָה. וּבְשַׂר הָאָשָׁם בֵּין תָּלוּי בֵּין וַדַּאי. וְזִבְחֵי שַׁלְמֵי צִבּוּר. וּמוֹתָר הָעֹמֶר. וּשְׁיָרֵי מְנָחוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל. וּשְׁתֵּי הַלֶּחֶם. וְלֶחֶם הַפָּנִים. וְלוֹג שֶׁמֶן שֶׁל מְצֹרָע. אֵלּוּ אֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִין אֶלָּא בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ:
4What are the eight that may be eaten only in Temple? The meat of the sin offering - this includes both sin-offerings of fowl and sin-offerings of animals,11In Halachah 13, however, the Rambam considers these two as separate presents. As the Radbaz clarifies, there is a difference in the procedure involved in these two offerings. See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbonot 1:1; 10:3. the meat of a guilt-offering,12See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 9:1, 10:3. whether a definite guilt-offering or a guilt-offering brought because of doubt,13In Halachah 13, however, the Rambam considers these two as separate presents. As the Radbaz clarifies, there is a difference in the procedure involved in these two offerings. See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbonot 1:1; 10:3. communal peace offerings,14See Hilchot Ma'asehHaKorbanot1:4, 9:4. [the portion of] the omer offering that remains,15I.e., the portion that remains after a handful is taken to be offered on the altar. See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 7: 12. [the portion of] an Israelite's meal offering that remains,16I.e., the portion that remains after a handful is taken to be offered on the altar. An Israelite's offering is mentioned in contrast to that of a priest which is offered on the altar entirely. See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:2-3, 12:9. the two loaves [offered on Shavuot],17See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim 8:11. the show bread,18See Hilchot Temidim UMusafim4:9. and the log of oil brought by a metzora.19SeeHilchot Mechusrei Kapparah 4:3. [All of] these may be eaten only in the Temple.
ה׳וּמַה הֵן הֶחָמֵשׁ שֶׁאֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִין אֶלָּא בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם. חָזֶה וְשׁוֹק שֶׁל שְׁלָמִים. וְהַמּוּרָם מִן הַתּוֹדָה. וְהַמּוּרָם מֵאֵיל נָזִיר. וּבְכוֹר בְּהֵמָה טְהוֹרָה. וְהַבִּכּוּרִים. אֵלּוּ אֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִין אֶלָּא בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם:
5What are the five that are eaten only in Jerusalem? The breast and the leg of the peace offering,20SeeHilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:4-5. the portion granted [the priests] from the thanksgiving offering,21See ibid. 9:12. the portion granted [the priests] from the ram brought by a nazirite,22See ibid. 9:12. the firstborn of a kosher animal,23See Hilchot Bechorot 1:2. and the first fruits.24See Chapter 3, Halachah 3. [all of] these may be eaten only in Jerusalem.
ו׳וּמַה הֵן הֶחָמֵשׁ שֶׁבְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל. הַתְּרוּמָה. וּתְרוּמַת מַעֲשֵׂר. וְהַחַלָּה. וּשְׁלָשְׁתָּן קֹדֶשׁ. וְרֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז. וּשְׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּה. וּשְׁנֵיהֶן חֻלִּין. אֵלּוּ אֵינָן זוֹכִין בָּהֶן מִן הַתּוֹרָה אֶלָּא בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְאֵין אוֹכְלִין תְּרוּמוֹת וְחַלּוֹת שֶׁל אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶלָּא בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל:
6What are the five [that are given] in Eretz Yisrael? Terumah, terumat ma'aser, and challah - these three are sanctified,25And must be eaten in a state of ritual purity. the first shearings,26See Chapter 10, Halachah 1. and an ancestral field [that was consecrated]27See Hilchot Arachin VaCharamim 4:1-2, 19. - these are ordinary property. [The priests are granted] these according to Scriptural Law only in Eretz Yisrael.28According to Rabbinic Law, terumah and challah are also separated in the Diaspora. Terumot and challot from Eretz Yisrael may be eaten only in Eretz Yisrael.29On the contrary, if they are taken to the Diaspora, they become impure (see Hilchot Terumah 2:17).
ז׳וּמַה הֵן הֶחָמֵשׁ שֶׁזּוֹכִין בָּהֶן הַכֹּהֲנִים בְּכָל מָקוֹם. הַמַּתָּנוֹת. וּפִדְיוֹן הַבֵּן. וּפֶטֶר חֲמוֹר. וְגֵזֶל הַגֵּר. וְהַחֲרָמִים. וַחֲמִשְּׁתָּן חֻלִּין לְכָל דָּבָר:
7What are the five that the priests acquire in all places? The presents [given when slaughtering animals],30The foreleg, the jaw, and the maw; see Chapter 9, Halachah 1. [the money given for] the redemption of a firstborn [son],31See Chapter 11. [the lamb given for] the redemption of a firstborn [donkey],32See Chapter 12. [property] stolen from a convert [who died heirless],33See Hilchot Gezeilah 8:5. and dedication offerings.34See Hilchot Arachin VaCharamim6:4. These five are ordinary property.
ח׳וְהַמַּתָּנָה שֶׁזּוֹכִין בָּהּ מִן הַמִּקְדָּשׁ הִיא עוֹרוֹת הָעוֹלוֹת. וְהוּא הַדִּין לִשְׁאָר עוֹרוֹת קָדְשֵׁי הַקָּדָשִׁים כֻּלָּן לַכֹּהֲנִים:
8The present that they acquire from the Temple's property35The Rambam puts this present in a category of its own, because unlike all of the above which were given by individuals, this present comes from the Temple's property (Radbaz). Once the hides are given to the priests, they are considered as ordinary property and may be used for mundane purposes. is the hides from the burnt-offerings.36See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:19. Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashim 19:9. This also applies to the hides from other sacrifices of the most holy order. They are all given to the priests.
ט׳הַשְּׁמוֹנֶה מַתָּנוֹת שֶׁאֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִין אֶלָּא בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ כֻּלָּן קָדְשֵׁי קָדָשִׁים הֵן וְאֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִים אֶלָּא לְזִכְרֵי כְּהֻנָּה כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּתְבָּאֵר בִּמְקוֹמוֹ. וּבָהֶן נֶאֱמַר (ויקרא ו כב) "כָּל זָכָר בַּכֹּהֲנִים יֹאכַל אֹתוֹ" וְגוֹ':
9The eight presents that may be eaten only in the Sanctuary are all sacrifices of the most holy order. They may be eaten only by male priests, as will be explained in the appropriate place.37Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 9:1, 10:3, 12:3. Concerning them, [Leviticus 6:22] states: 'All males among the priesthood shall partake of it.
י׳הֶחָמֵשׁ שֶׁבִּירוּשָׁלַיִם הֵן קָדָשִׁים קַלִּים וְנֶאֱכָלִין לִזְכָרִים וְלִנְקֵבוֹת וּבָהֶן נֶאֱמַר (במדבר יח יא) "לְךָ נְתַתִּים וּלְבָנֶיךָ וְלִבְנֹתֶיךָ אִתְּךָ לְחָק עוֹלָם". וְאַף עַל פִּי כֵן אֵין נִתָּנִין אֶלָּא לְזִכְרֵי כְּהֻנָּה שֶׁהֲרֵי לְאַנְשֵׁי מִשְׁמָר הֵן. וְהַבְּכוֹר מַקְרִיבִין חֶלְבּוֹ וְדָמוֹ וְאֵין מַקְרִיבוֹ אֶלָּא אִישׁ. וְכֵן עוֹרוֹת קָדְשֵׁי הַקָּדָשִׁים. וּשְׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּה. וְהַחֲרָמִים. וְגֵזֶל הַגֵּר. אֵין זוֹכִין בָּהֶן אֶלָּא אַנְשֵׁי מִשְׁמָר כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּתְבָּאֵר. וְכֵן פִּדְיוֹן הַבֵּן לְזִכְרֵי כְּהֻנָּה שֶׁכֵּן נֶאֱמַר בּוֹ (במדבר ג מח) "וְנָתַתָּ הַכֶּסֶף לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו". וּפֶטֶר חֲמוֹר לְזִכְרֵי כְּהֻנָּה. שֶׁדִּין הַבְּכוֹרוֹת כֻּלָּן שָׁוֶה לִזְכָרִים וְלֹא לִנְקֵבוֹת:
10The five [presents that may be eaten only] in Jerusalem are all sacrifices of lesser sanctity.38See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 1:17 with regard to the sacrifices of lesser sanctity. Chapter 3, Halachah 1, equates the first fruits with those sacrifices. [Both] males and females [of the priestly family] may partake of them.39See Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:17. Concerning them, [Numbers 18:11] states: 'To you, and your sons and your daughters with you have I given them as an eternal decree.' [Although a woman may partake of them,] they are granted only to the males of the priestly family. For they are given to the men of the watch [serving in the Temple].40As explained in Hilchot K'lei HaMikdash 4:3, the priestly family was divided into 24 watches. Each one would serve in the Temple for a week. During that week, its members had the rights to all the sacrifices offered during that time.The fat and the blood of the firstborn [of kosher animals] was offered and only a male was allowed to offer it.41This sacrifice is not given to the priests of the weekly watch, but instead to the priest of the owner's choice [Hilchot Bechorot 1:15; the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Challah 4:9)]. That priest in turn offers it on the altar and may give its meat to whichever members of the priestly family, males and females, he desires to (see Radbaz). Similarly, the hides of the sacrifices of the most sacred order, an ancestral field, dedication offerings, and the stolen property of a convert, are acquired only by the men of the priestly watch [of that week], as will be explained.Similarly, the redemption of firstborn [sons is given] only to males of the priestly family, for concerning it, [Numbers 3:48] states: 'And you shall give the money to Aaron and his sons.' [Similarly, the redemption of] a firstborn donkey [is given] to males of the priestly family, for all the laws of the firstborn are parallel. [The redemption is given] to males and not females.
י״אהִנֵּה לָמַדְתָּ שֶׁהַמַּתָּנוֹת שֶׁנִּתָּנִין לִנְקֵבוֹת כִּזְכָרִים חָמֵשׁ מַתָּנוֹת. תְּרוּמָה. וּתְרוּמַת מַעֲשֵׂר. וְחַלָּה. וּמַתְּנוֹת בְּהֵמָה. וְרֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז. וּמִנַּיִן אַתָּה אוֹמֵר שֶׁרֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז נִתֶּנֶת לַכֹּהֲנוֹת שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים יח ד) "רֵאשִׁית דְּגָנְךָ תִּירשְׁךָ וְיִצְהָרֶךָ וְרֵאשִׁית גֵּז צֹאנְךָ תִּתֶּן לּוֹ". מָה רֵאשִׁית דָּגָן נִתֶּנֶת לִנְקֵבוֹת כִּזְכָרִים אַף רֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז:
11Thus you have learned that the presents given [directly] to females like males are five: terumah,42See HilchotTerumah 12:22. terumat ma'aser, challah,43For the laws applying to terumah apply to both of these. the presents given when slaughtering an animal,44The foreleg, the jaw, and the maw; see Chapter 9, Halachah 1. and the first shearings.What is the source that teaches that the first shearings may be given to a woman of the priestly family? 'The first of your grain, your wine, and your oil, and the first shearings of your flock shall you give to him' [Deuteronomy 18:4]. [The verse establishes an equivalence:] Just as [terumah,] the first of the grain, may be given to females as well as males, so too, the first shearings.
י״במָנוּ חֲכָמִים מַתָּנוֹת אֵלּוּ עַל דֶּרֶךְ אַחֶרֶת וְאָמְרוּ עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבַּע מַתְּנוֹת כְּהֻנָּה נִתְּנוּ לְאַהֲרֹן וְאֵלּוּ הֵן. עֶשֶׂר בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ. אַרְבַּע בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם. וְעֶשֶׂר בַּגְּבוּלִין:
12Our Sages45Tosefta, Challah 2:7. reckoned these presents in another manner, stating: 24 presents for the priests were given to Aaron. They are 10 in the Temple, 4 in Jerusalem, and 10 in the outlying areas.
י״געֶשֶׂר בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ. חַטַּאת בְּהֵמָה. וְחַטַּאת הָעוֹף. אָשָׁם. וְאָשָׁם תָּלוּי. זִבְחֵי שַׁלְמֵי צִבּוּר. וְלֹג שֶׁמֶן שֶׁל מְצֹרָע. שְׁתֵּי הַלֶּחֶם. וְלֶחֶם הַפָּנִים. שְׁיָרֵי מְנָחוֹת. וּמוֹתַר הָעֹמֶר:
13The ten in the Temple are: a) an animal brought as a sin-offering, b) a fowl brought as a sin-offering, c) a guilt-offering, d) a guilt-offering brought because of doubt, e) the communal peace-offerings, f) the log of oil brought by a nazirite, g) the two breads, h) the show bread, i) the remnants of the meal offering, and j) the remnants of the omer offering.
י״דאַרְבַּע בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם. הַבְּכוֹר. וְהַבִּכּוּרִים. וּמוּרָם מִתּוֹדָה וְאֵיל נָזִיר. וְעוֹרוֹת קָדָשִׁים:
14The four in Jerusalem are: a) the firstborn [kosher animal], b) the first fruits, c) the portion granted [the priests] from the thanksgiving offering and the portion granted [the priests] from the ram brought by a nazirite, and d) the hides of the sacrifices.46Although these hides are not eaten in Jerusalem, but instead, can be sold and the proceeds used for any purpose, the Rambam places them in this category, because the priests would not take them out of the holy city. Instead, as a token of respect for their holiness, they would sell them there and use the proceeds to partake of food that was eaten in that holy place (Radbaz, gloss to Halachah 5).
ט״ועֶשֶׂר בַּגְּבוּלִין. תְּרוּמָה. וּתְרוּמַת מַעֲשֵׂר. וְחַלָּה. וְרֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז. וְהַמַּתָּנוֹת. וּפִדְיוֹן הַבֵּן. וּפִדְיוֹן פֶּטֶר חֲמוֹר. שְׂדֵה חֲרָמִים. וּשְׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּה. וְגֵזֶל הַגֵּר. וּלְפִי חֶשְׁבּוֹן זֶה חַשֵּׁב כָּל הַמּוּרָם מִקָּדָשִׁים קַלִּים מַתָּנָה אַחַת. וְהֵן חָזֶה וְשׁוֹק הַמּוּרָם מִכָּל זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים עִם הַלֶּחֶם הַמּוּרָם עִמָּהֶם [אִם הָיָה תּוֹדָה. עִם הַזְּרוֹעַ הַמּוּרֶמֶת מֵאֵיל נָזִיר עִם הַלֶּחֶם הַמּוּרָם עִמָּהּ] עִם חָזֶה וְשׁוֹק. הוֹאִיל וּשְׁלָשְׁתָּן שְׁלָמִים הֵן חֲשֹׁב הַמּוּרָם מֵהֶם מַתָּנָה אַחַת:
15The ten in the outlying areas are: a) terumah, b) terumat ma'aser, c) challah, d) the first shearings, e) the presents given when slaughtering an animal, f) the redemption of a firstborn [son], g) the redemption of a firstborn donkey, h) a field that was designated as a dedication offering, i) an ancestral field, and j) the stolen property of a convert.According to this reckoning, all of the portions given the priests from sacrifices of lesser sanctity are considered as one present. This includes: the breast and the leg that is given [the priest] from every peace offering, together with the bread that is given with them if [the peace offering] was a thanksgiving offering47A thanksgiving offering is one type of peace offering. and the foreleg given the priest from the nazirite's ram, with the bread given with it, and the breast and the leg.48I.e., from the nazirite's ram, the priest is given a foreleg, a hindleg, and the breast. And he is also given a portion of bread that is offered with that sacrifice. Since they are all peace offerings, all of the portions given the priests are considered as one present.
ט״זכָּל הַמַּתָּנוֹת שֶׁהֵן תְּלוּיוֹת בַּקָּרְבָּנוֹת תִּתְבָּאֵר כָּל אַחַת וְאַחַת בִּמְקוֹמָהּ בְּהִלְכוֹת קָרְבָּנוֹת. וְכֵן גֵּזֶל הַגֵּר יִתְבָּאֵר בְּהִלְכוֹת גְּזֵלָה. וּכְבָר בֵּאַרְנוּ דִּין שְׂדֵה אֲחֻזָּה וְדִין הַחֲרָמִים בְּהִלְכוֹת עֶרְכִין. וְדִין תְּרוּמָה וּתְרוּמַת מַעֲשֵׂר בְּהִלְכוֹת תְּרוּמוֹת. וּבַהֲלָכוֹת אֵלּוּ אֲבָאֵר מִשְׁפְּטֵי הַמַּתָּנוֹת שֶׁאֵין תְּלוּיִין בְּקָרְבָּנוֹת. וְהֵן: הַבִּכּוּרִים. וְהַחַלָּה. וְהַמַּתָּנוֹת. וְרֵאשִׁית הַגֵּז. וּפִדְיוֹן הַבֵּן. וּפֶטֶר חֲמוֹר:
16AIl of the presents that are dependent on the sacrifices will be explained in their appropriate places in the laws of sacrifices.49See the sources given above. Similarly, [the laws pertaining to] the stolen property of a convert will be explained in Hilchot Gezeilah.50See Hilchot Gezeilah 8:5. We have already explained the laws governing an ancestral field and dedication offerings in Hilchot Arachin51Hilchot Arachin, chs. 4-8. and the laws of terumah and terumat ma'aser in Hilchot Terumah. In the present halachot, I will explain the laws of the [priestly] presents that are not dependent on the sacrifices: the first fruits,52See chs. 2-4. challah,53See chs. 5-8. the presents given when slaughtering an animal,54See ch. 9. the first shearings,55See ch. 10. the redemption of a firstborn son,56See ch. 11. the redemption of a firstborn donkey.57See ch. 12.
ב׳
א׳מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה לְהָבִיא בִּכּוּרִים לַמִּקְדָּשׁ. וְאֵינָם נוֹהֲגִין אֶלָּא בִּפְנֵי הַבַּיִת וּבְאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּלְבַד שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כג יט) (שמות לד כו) "רֵאשִׁית בִּכּוּרֵי אַדְמָתְךָ תָּבִיא בֵּית ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ". וּמְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים שֶׁל דִּבְרֵיהֶם מֵעָרֵי סִיחוֹן וְעוֹג וּמִסּוּרְיָא. שֶׁהַקּוֹנֶה בְּסוּרְיָא כַּקּוֹנֶה בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם. [אֲבָל עַמּוֹן וּמוֹאָב וּבָבֶל] אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהֵן חַיָּבִין בִּתְרוּמָה וּבְמַעַשְׂרוֹת מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם אֵין מְבִיאִין מֵהֶן בִּכּוּרִים. וְאִם הֵבִיא בִּכּוּרִים מִחוּץ לָאָרֶץ אֵינָן בִּכּוּרִים:
1It is a positive commandment to bring the first fruits to the Temple.1Sefer HaMitzvot (positive commandment 125) and Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 91) include this commandment among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. [The obligation of] the first fruits applies only while the Temple is standing, and only in Eretz Yisrael, as [implied by Exodus 23:19]: 'Bring of the first ripened fruit of your land2I.e., from the land given specifically to you, Eretz Yisrael. to the house of God your Lord.'3I.e., only when the House of God, the Temple, is standing. According to Rabbinic decree, one should bring first fruits even from the cities of Sichon and Og4I.e., the lands on the eastern side of the Jordan that were captured from these kings by Moses as he led our people to the promised land. These territories were not part of the land flowing with milk and honey promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.The Rambam's position here represents a reversal from his position in Sefer HaMitzvot, loc. cit., where he writes that according to Scriptural Law, the mitzvah of the first fruits applies in these lands. Similarly, in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:10), he states that the mitzvah applies in these lands according to Scriptural Law. and from Syria.5Lands to the north of Eretz Yisrael. These lands are not considered as part of Eretz Yisrael according to Scriptural Law. See Hilchot Terumah 1:9. For a person who purchases land in Syria is like one who purchases in Jerusalem. We do not bring the first fruits from the lands of Ammon and Moab6Lands to the southeast of Eretz Yisrael which were not conquered by the Jews upon their initial conquest of the land. and Babylon, even though they are liable for terumah and tithes according to Rabbinic decree.7See Hilchot Terumah 1:1. If one brings the first fruits from the Diaspora, they are not considered as first fruits.8And instead are considered as ordinary produce. The rationale is that the first fruits must be ritually pure and all produce coming from the Diaspora is ritually impure by Rabbinic decree.
ב׳אֵין מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים אֶלָּא מִשִּׁבְעַת הַמִּינִין הָאֲמוּרִים בְּשֶׁבַח הָאָרֶץ. וְהֵם הַחִטִּים וְהַשְּׂעוֹרִים וְהָעֲנָבִים וְהַתְּאֵנִים וְהָרִמּוֹנִים וְהַזֵּיתִים וְהַתְּמָרִים. וְאִם הֵבִיא חוּץ מִשִּׁבְעַת הַמִּינִין לֹא נִתְקַדְּשׁוּ:
2The first fruits are brought only from the seven species which are mentioned when relating the praise of Eretz Yisrael.9Deuteronomy 8:8. They are: wheat, barley,10See the gloss of Rabbi Akiva Eiger which states that rye, oats, and spelt, although considered as subspecies of wheat and barley in other contexts, should not be brought as the first fruits. grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. If one brought fruit from other species, it is not sanctifted.11The Jerusalem Talmud (Bikkurim 1:3) derives this from the exegesis of Deuteronomy 26:2: 'And you shall take of the first of all the fruit of the land. 'Take of" implies an exclusion. Not all of the fruit may be brought as first fruits.
ג׳אֵין מְבִיאִין לֹא מִתְּמָרִים שֶׁבֶּהָרִים. וְלֹא מִפֵּרוֹת שֶׁבָּעֲמָקִים. וְלֹא מִזֵּיתֵי שֶׁמֶן שֶׁאֵינָן מִן הַמֻּבְחָר. אֶלָּא מִתְּמָרִים שֶׁבָּעֲמָקִים וּמִפֵּרוֹת שֶׁבֶּהָרִים לְפִי שֶׁהֵן מִן הַמֻּבְחָר [וְאִם הֵבִיא שֶׁלֹּא מִן הַמֻּבְחָר] כְּגוֹן תְּמָרִים שֶׁבֶּהָרִים וּתְאֵנִים סוּרוֹת וּמְרֻקָּבוֹת וַעֲנָבִים מְאֻבָּקוֹת וּמְעֻשָּׁנוֹת לֹא נִתְקַדְּשׁוּ:
3We do not bring [first fruits] from the dates in the mountains, nor from the fruit from the valleys, not from oil-producing olives that are not of the highest quality, but rather from dates from the valleys and fruit from the mountains, for they are of the highest quality. If a person brought first fruits of inferior quality, e.g., dates from the mountains, figs that were perforated and had oil applied to them,12As the Rambam explains in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Sh'vi'it 2:5), these techniques are used to hurry the ripening of figs. Although they are effective, they reduce the quality of the figs. dusty and smoked grapes,13I.e., at times, fires were lit under grape vines to kill worms and insects in the vine. This, however, reduced the quality of the fruit. they are not consecrated.
ד׳אֵין מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים מַשְׁקִין חוּץ מִזֵּיתִים וַעֲנָבִים בִּלְבַד שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כו ב) (דברים כו י) "פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה" [וְלֹא מַשְׁקֶה]. וְאִם הֵבִיא מַשְׁקִין אֵין מְקַבְּלִין מִמֶּנּוּ:
4We may not bring liquids as the first fruits14I.e., one may not bring juice from pomegranates, dates, and figs. with the exception of [oil from] olives and [wine from] grapes, as [implied by Deuteronomy 26:2 which speaks of]: 'the fruit of the land,' i.e., [the fruit and] not a beverage. If one brought beverages, they are not accepted.15From the conclusion of the tractate of Challah, it would appear that it is not acceptable to bring wine or oil either. Nevertheless, the Rambam does not accept that teaching, favoring instead Terumah 11:3 which deems them acceptable. See the explanation in the Kessef Mishneh.
ה׳הַקְּרוֹבִים לִירוּשָׁלַיִם מְבִיאִין תְּאֵנִים וַעֲנָבִים לַחִים. וְהָרְחוֹקִין מְבִיאִין אוֹתָן גְּרוֹגָרוֹת וְצִמּוּקִין:
5People who are close to Jerusalem should bring fresh figs and grapes.16For it is preferable that fresh fruits should be brought. People who are distant should bring dried figs and raisins.17For if they bring fresh fruit, it will spoil.
ו׳אֵין מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים קֹדֶם לַעֲצֶרֶת שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כג טז) "וְחַג הַקָּצִיר בִּכּוּרֵי מַעֲשֶׂיךָ". וְאִם הֵבִיא אֵין מְקַבְּלִין מִמֶּנּוּ אֶלָּא יַנִּיחֵם שָׁם עַד שֶׁתָּבוֹא עֲצֶרֶת וְיִקְרָא עֲלֵיהֶן. וְכֵן אֵין מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים אַחַר חֲנֻכָּה. שֶׁהַבִּכּוּרִים שֶׁבִּכְּרוּ אַחַר חֲנֻכָּה הֵן חֲשׁוּבִין מִשָּׁנָה הַבָּאָה. וְיַנִּיחֵם עַד אַחַר עֲצֶרֶת:
6The first fruits should not be brought before Shavuot, for that holiday is referred to as 'the harvest festival, the first fruits of your work.' If one brings [them at that time], we do not accept them from him. Instead, they should be left there18I.e., in the Temple courtyard. The Radbaz states that this applies only to fruit that will not spoil. Otherwise, the fruit brought prematurely is like all the other fruit mentioned in the previous halachot and its consecration is not effective. until Shavuot, at which time, he should make the declaration concerning them. Similarly, the first fruits should not be brought after Chanukah.19After Chanaukah, it is not appropriate to bring the first fruits, because they are to be brought at the time of the harvest and the harvest is concluded by Sukkot. Moreover, if one brings the first fruits between Sukkot and Chanukah, he cannot make the declaration concerning them (Chapter 4, Halachah 13).The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's words for their implication is that the first fruit brought after Chanukah becomes consecrated. The Ra'avad maintains that since the fruit did not ripen until then, the first fruits are considered as of low quality and do not become consecrated. Nor, the Ra'avad maintains, can they be considered as being from the following year, as the Rambam states, because until the 15th of Shvat, they are considered as from the crops of the previous year. The Kessef Mishneh supports the Rambam, maintaining that since the crops have generally been harvested, any produce that does grow is considered as belonging to the coming year. The Radbaz emphasizes that here too, we are speaking of produce that will not spoil. Otherwise, it is not consecrated. For first fruits that ripen after Chanukah are considered as being of the coming year. They should be left until Shavuot.
ז׳אֵין מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים לֹא מִן הֶחָדָשׁ עַל הַיָּשָׁן וְלֹא מִן הַיָּשָׁן עַל הֶחָדָשׁ. כֵּיצַד. לֹא יָבִיא מִפֵּרוֹת שֶׁחָנְטוּ קֹדֶם חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר בִּשְׁבָט עַל פֵּרוֹת שֶׁחָנְטוּ אַחַר חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר בּוֹ. אֶחָד הַנָּטוּעַ וְאֶחָד הָעוֹלֶה מֵאֵלָיו שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר יח יג) "בִּכּוּרֵי כָּל אֲשֶׁר בְּאַרְצָם":
7The first fruits may not be brought from produce of the present harvest for produce of the previous harvest or from produce of the previous harvest for produce of the present harvest.20Yevamot 73b states that there is an equation between the tithes and the first fruits. Hence, just as the tithes may not be brought from one harvest for another (Hilchot Terumah 5:11; Hilchot Ma'aser 1:7), so too, the law applies with regard to the first fruits.What is implied? One should not bring produce that budded before the 15th of Shvat21This refers to the first fruits brought from fruit. With regard to wheat and barley, the date when a change is made is Rosh HaShanah. as first fruits for produce that budded after the 15th of Shvat. [This applies] both to produce that is planted and produce that grows on its own, as [implied by Numbers 18: 13]: 'The first fruits of everything in their land.'22I.e., the prooftext implies that the obligation applies to any and all situations where these species grow (see Menachot 84b and Radbaz).
ח׳הַפֵּרוֹת שֶׁל שֻׁתָּפִין חַיָּבִים בְּבִכּוּרִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר יח יג) "בִּכּוּרֵי כָּל אֲשֶׁר בְּאַרְצְךָ" [אֲשֶׁר יָבִיאוּ]:
8The obligation of the first fruits applies to the produce of partners, [implied by]: 'The first fruits of everything in their land.'23The plural form of the verb "that they bring" used by the prooftext indicates that the obligation applies even when the produce is owned by two people jointly (Chullin 136a).
ט׳הַגָּדֵל בְּעָצִיץ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא נָקוּב וְהַגָּדֵל בִּסְפִינָה אֵינוֹ מֵבִיא מִמֶּנּוּ כָּל עִקַּר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר יח יג) "בְּאַרְצָם". אֲבָל מֵבִיא מִן הַגָּדֵל בַּגַּג אוֹ בַּחֻרְבָּה:
9When produce grows in a flower pot, even if it has a hole or it grows in a ship, one should not bring first fruits from them at all. [for the prooftext] speaks of 'their land.'24Produce that grows in such a situation is considered as growing from the earth in certain contexts. Nevertheless, the prooftext indicates that the first fruits are an exception. One should, however, bring from produce that grows on a roof or in a ruin.
י׳הַנּוֹטֵעַ אִילָן בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְהִבְרִיכוֹ לְתוֹךְ שְׂדֵה חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ לִרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים. אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה נוֹטֵעַ בִּשְׂדֵה חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ בִּרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים וְהִבְרִיכוֹ בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ. אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה עִקָּרוֹ בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְהִבְרִיךְ קְצָתוֹ בְּתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְדֶרֶךְ הָרַבִּים אוֹ דֶּרֶךְ הַיָּחִיד מַפְסֶקֶת בָּאֶמְצַע בֵּין הָעִקָּר וְהַצַּד הַמֻּבְרָךְ. אֵינוֹ מֵבִיא בִּכּוּרִים לֹא מִמַּה שֶּׁהוֹצִיא בִּרְשׁוּת זוֹ וְלֹא מִן הַצַּד שֶׁבִּרְשׁוּת הָאַחֲרוֹן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כג יט) (שמות לד כו) "בִּכּוּרֵי אַדְמָתְךָ" עַד שֶׁיִּהְיוּ כָּל הַגִּדּוּלִין מֵאַדְמָתְךָ:
10[In all the following situations,] a person should not bring the first fruits from the produce that grows in one domain or the produce that grows in another domain. [These situations include] one who plants a tree in his field and extends25'Extending' refers to planting a bough from a tree or a vine in the ground, so that an extension can grow from it [the Rambam' s Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:1)]. it into his colleague's field26Without his colleague's permission as obvious from the following halachah. or into the public domain, or the trunk of the tree was in his field and he extended its end in his field but there was a public road or a private path interrupting between the trunk and the end which was extended. [This is derived from Exodus 23:19]: "the first fruits of your land.' [Implied is that] all the growth [of the tree] must be from your land.'27And even the fruit that grow from the trunk are nurtured to a certain extent from the end that was implanted.
י״אנָתַן לוֹ חֲבֵרוֹ רְשׁוּת לְהַבְרִיךְ בְּתוֹךְ שֶׁלּוֹ אֲפִלּוּ לְשָׁעָה הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא בִּכּוּרִים. וְאִם הָיָה הָאִילָן סָמוּךְ לְמֵצַר חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ נוֹטֶה לִשְׂדֵה חֲבֵרוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁחַיָּב לְהַרְחִיק הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא מִמֶּנּוּ וְקוֹרֵא שֶׁעַל מְנָת כֵּן הִנְחִיל יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶת הָאָרֶץ:
11If his colleague gave him permission28There is, however, no way one can be granted permission to use the public domain in this manner. [to implant the end] in his property even for a brief time, he may bring the first fruits. If the tree was close to his colleague's boundary or leaned into his colleague's field29See Hilchot Shechenim10:8. [and he planted there], even though he was obligated to distance [his planting], he may bring [the first fruits]30This applies even to the fruit which grew in his colleague's domain. Since his colleague gave him permission to grow the produce there, it can be considered as his land. and recite the declaration, for Joshua gave the land [to our people] as an inheritance with that intent.31The commentaries note that when Hilchot Nizkei Mammon 10:8 mentions the ten conditions on which basis Joshua gave the land to the people as an inheritance, this condition is not included among them. Among the resolutions given is that the conditions mentioned there apply also in the Diaspora, while this condition applies only in Eretz Yisrael.
י״בהָאֲרִיסִין וְהַחֲכִירִין וּבַעֲלֵי זְרוֹעַ שֶׁאוֹנְסִין אֶת הַבְּעָלִים וְלוֹקְחִין מֵהֶן אַרְצוֹתָם בְּפָחוֹת וְהַגַּזְלָנִין אֵינָן מְבִיאִין בִּכּוּרִים. וַאֲפִלּוּ נִתְיָאֲשׁוּ הַבְּעָלִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כג יט) (שמות לד כו) "בִּכּוּרֵי אַדְמָתְךָ":
12Sharecroppers, tenant farmers,32The former give the owners a share of the crops; the latter rent the fields for money. See Hilchot Ma'aser 6:13; the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:2). men of force who compel the owners [to sell] their land and purchase it for a low price,33This was, unfortunately, a common practice in Eretz Yisrael during the Roman era, when the gentiles and their Jewish comrades would threaten a person until he was forced to sell his land for far below its worth. and robbers34One who takes land without paying at all. may not bring first fruits, because [the prooftext] states: 'the first fruits of your land.'35And none of the above are rightful owners of the land. [This applies] even when the owners despair [of recovering their land].36For land can never be stolen and always remains the property of its rightful owners (see Hilchot Gezeilah 8:14).
י״גהַקּוֹנֶה אִילָן בְּתוֹךְ שְׂדֵה חֲבֵרוֹ אֵינוֹ מֵבִיא לְפִי שֶׁאֵין לוֹ קַרְקַע. שְׁלֹשָׁה יֵשׁ לוֹ קַרְקַע וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין לוֹ אֶלָּא אִילָנוֹת בִּלְבַד הֲרֵי הוּא כְּמִי שֶׁקָּנָה קַרְקַע. קָנָה אִילָן אֶחָד וְקַרְקָעוֹ הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא:
13When a person purchases a tree in a field belonging to a friend, he may not bring [the first fruits], because he does not own land. [If he purchases] three [trees], he does own land. Even if he formally acquired only the trees, it is as if he owns land.37See Hilchot Mechirah 24:1-2. The rationale is that since he purchased this amount of trees, he also receives the land necessary to tend to them. Although he is not the legal owner of the land and has only the right to use it, that right is sufficient for the land to be called his own. If he purchased one tree and the land around it, he should bring [the first fruits].38Because he is the owner of both the land and the tree (Our bracketed additions are based on the gloss of the Radbaz. We are forced to accept this interpretation, since, as stated above, the first fruits must come from "your land."
י״דהַלּוֹקֵחַ פֵּרוֹת תְּלוּשִׁין וְלָקַח הַקַּרְקַע הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא בִּכּוּרִים שֶׁהֲרֵי יֵשׁ לוֹ קַרְקַע וּפֵרוֹתֶיהָ. מָכַר לוֹ פֵּרוֹת חוּץ מִן הַקַּרְקַע אֲפִלּוּ מְחֻבָּרִים. מוֹכֵר אֵינוֹ מֵבִיא שֶׁהֲרֵי אֵין לוֹ פֵּרוֹת וְלוֹקֵחַ אֵינוֹ מֵבִיא שֶׁהֲרֵי אֵין לוֹ קַרְקַע. חָזַר הַמּוֹכֵר וְלָקַח הַפֵּרוֹת מִן הַלּוֹקֵחַ הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא שֶׁהֲרֵי יֵשׁ לוֹ קַרְקַע וּפֵרוֹתֶיהָ:
14When a person purchases fruit that has been harvested and purchases the land [on which they grew],39I.e., even if he does not purchase the fruit and the land at the same time, as long as he owns both at the time appropriate to bring the first fruits, he should bring them (Radbaz). he should bring the first fruits, because he possesses both land and the fruits.When one sells a colleague fruit, but not the land, even when the fruit is still attached to the land, [neither the seller, nor the purchaser may bring the first fruits]. The seller may not bring them, because he does not own the fruits. The purchaser may not bring them, because he does not own the land. If the seller buys the fruit back from the purchaser, he may bring [the first fruits], because he [now] owns [both] the land and its produce.
ט״והַמּוֹכֵר שָׂדֵהוּ לְעַכּוּ"ם וְחָזַר וּלְקָחָהּ מִמֶּנּוּ הֲרֵי זֶה מֵבִיא מִמֶּנָּה בִּכּוּרִים מִן הַתּוֹרָה. שֶׁאֵינָהּ נִפְקַעַת מִן הַמִּצְוָה בְּקִנְיַן הָעַכּוּ"ם כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ:
15When a person sells his property to a gentile and later purchases it back from him, he must bring the first fruits from it according to Scriptural Law.40See the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Gittin 4:9); note the differences between his initial version and his final version. There is a debate among the commentaries if the obligation to bring the first fruits is Rabbinic in origin (as was the Rambam's initial view) or Scriptural in origin (as is his view here). [The rationale is that] it is not absolved from the mitzvah because of the gentile's purchase,41The Ra'avad comments that this applies even though the produce reached maturity while in the possession of the gentile. The commentaries state that the Rambam would accept this ruling. as we explained.42Hilchot Terumah 1:10.
ט״זאֲשֵׁרָה שֶׁבִּטְּלָהּ אֵין מְבִיאִין מִמֶּנָּה בִּכּוּרִים שֶׁהַבִּכּוּרִים כְּקָדְשֵׁי מִקְדָּשׁ הֵן:
16[Although] one nullified an asherah,43A tree that was worshiped. as was the practice of both the Canaanites and the Greeks.When a gentile owns an entity that is worshiped, he can nullify its connection with idolatrous worship and from that time onward, it may be used for ordinary purposes. Nevertheless, it is not fit to be used for an offering on the Altar, because of its previous connection with idolatry. An entity owned by a Jew that was worshiped can never be nullified. See Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 8:8-11. the first fruits should not be brought from its produce. For the first fruits are like the sacrifices of the Temple.44As stated in Hilchot Issurei Mizbeiach 3:6, if an animal was once associated with the worship of false deities, it may no longer be used as a sacrifice in the Temple.
י״זהַבִּכּוּרִים אֵין לָהֶם שִׁעוּר מִן הַתּוֹרָה אֲבָל מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם צָרִיךְ לְהַפְרִישׁ אֶחָד מִשִּׁשִּׁים. וְהָרוֹצֶה לַעֲשׂוֹת כָּל שָׂדֵהוּ בִּכּוּרִים עוֹשֵׂהוּ:
17There is no set measure for the first fruits according to Scriptural Law. According to Rabbinic Law, one should give one sixtieth of the crop. If one desires to set aside his entire crop as first fruits, he may.
י״חהִפְרִישׁ בִּכּוּרָיו וְחָזַר וְהוֹסִיף עֲלֵיהֶן אוֹ עִטְּרָן הֲרֵי הַתּוֹסֶפֶת כְּבִכּוּרִים. בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים כְּשֶׁהֵבִיא מֵאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל. אֲבָל אִם הֵבִיא מֵעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן אוֹ מִסּוּרְיָא אֵינָהּ כְּבִכּוּרִים. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינָהּ כְּבִכּוּרִים אֵינָהּ נֶאֱכֶלֶת אֶלָּא בְּטָהֳרָה. וְאֵין מְעַטְּרִין אֶת הַבִּכּוּרִים בְּכָל מָקוֹם אֶלָּא מִשִּׁבְעַת הַמִּינִים:
18When a person separated his first fruits and afterwards added to them or adorned them, the addition is also considered as the first fruits.45And the stringencies applied to the first fruits, e.g., that they be eaten in a state of ritual purity, are also applied to them.When does the above apply? When he brought [the first fruits] from Eretz Yisrael. If, however, he brought them from Transjordan or Syria, they are not as the first fruits.46The rationale is that, as stated in Halachah 1, the obligation to bring first fruits from these lands is Rabbinic in origin. Hence, it is not powerful enough to convey that status on the additions as well. Even though they are not considered as the first fruits, they should only be eaten in a state of ritual purity.47As the first fruits themselves. No matter where it is from,48I.e., even from Transjordan and Syria (Radbaz). the first fruits should only be adorned with fruit from the seven species [mentioned in the praise of Eretz Yisrael].49One may, however, adorn figs with grapes and grapes with dates (Bikkurim 3:10).
י״טכֵּיצַד מַפְרִישִׁין הַבִּכּוּרִים. יוֹרֵד אָדָם לְתוֹךְ שָׂדֵהוּ וְרוֹאֶה תְּאֵנָה שֶׁבִּכְּרָה אֶשְׁכּוֹל עֲנָבִים שֶׁבִּכְּרוּ רִמּוֹן שֶׁבִּכֵּר קוֹשְׁרָן בְּגֶמִי וְאוֹמֵר הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ בִּכּוּרִים. וְהֵם נַעֲשִׂים בִּכּוּרִים בִּמְחֻבָּר מִשֶּׁקָּרָא לָהֶן שֵׁם. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁעֲדַיִן לֹא בָּשְׁלוּ כָּל צָרְכָּן. וּמִשֶּׁיִּגָּמְרוּ וְיִתְלְשֵׁם מִן הַקַּרְקַע אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לַחֲזֹר וְלִקְרוֹת לָהֶם שֵׁם. לֹא הִפְרִישָׁן בִּמְחֻבָּר וְלֹא קָרָא לָהֶם שֵׁם וּתְלָשָׁם הֲרֵי זֶה מַפְרִישָׁם אַחַר שֶׁנִּתְלְשׁוּ. וְאִם נִטְמְאוּ הַפֵּרוֹת כֻּלָּן אֵינוֹ מַפְרִישׁ בִּכּוּרִים בְּטֻמְאָה. אֶלָּא מַפְרִישׁ מִן הַטָּהוֹר עַל הַטָּמֵא לְכַתְּחִלָּה. וְאִם אֵין לוֹ פֵּרוֹת אֲחֵרוֹת לְהַפְרִישׁ מֵהֶן יֵרָאֶה לִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ מַפְרִישׁ בְּטֻמְאָה שֶׁאֵין מַפְרִישִׁין לְאִבּוּד. וְכֵן יֵרָאֶה לִי שֶׁהַבִּכּוּרִים שֶׁנִּטְמְאוּ אֵינוֹ מַסִּיק בָּהֶן הַתַּנּוּר כִּתְרוּמָה טְמֵאָה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן כְּקָדְשֵׁי מִקְדָּשׁ:
19How should one separate the first fruits? A person descends to his field, sees a fig tree, a cluster [of grapes], and/or a pomegranate tree that has budded, and ties them with a reed.50As a sign, so that he will recognize them later. There is no obligation to use a reed for this purpose. Another sign is also acceptable. The Rambam, quoting the mishnah, was merely stating a common practice [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Bikkurim 3:1)] . He should say: "These are the first fruits.' They become designated as first fruits even though they are attached to the ground after they have been given that title, even though they have not ripened entirely.51Although they must reach a complete stage of development by the time they are brought to the Temple, it is not necessary that they reach this stage at the time of their designation.When they ripen and are reaped from the ground, it is not necessary to designate them again. If he did not designate them while attached or call them first fruits and then he reaped them, he should designate them after he reaps them.52Unless he designates them, the fact that they are set aside is not sufficient for them to be considered as first fruits.If his entire harvest becomes impure, he should not designate the impure produce as first fruits. Instead, as an initial preference, he should set aside other produce as first fruits for the impure produce. It appears to me that if he does not have other produce, to separate [as first fruits], he should not set them aside to be destroyed.53See parallels in Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 3:9; Hilchot Meilah 4:7. Terumah and the second tithe, by contrast, should be set aside even if the produce is impure, for they will not be wasted. Similarly, it appears to me54The expression 'It appears to me' refers to a conclusion derived by the Rambam through deduction without an explicit prior Rabbinic source. The Kessef Mishneh questions whether that expression is appropriate in the present instance since this point is stated in Yevamot 73a,b. The Kessef Mishneh concludes that perhaps 'It appears to me' refers only to the rationale the Rambam states here, for that concept is not stated in Yevamot, loc. cit. that if the first fruits become impure, he should not use them as kindling for a furnace, because they are like objects consecrated for the Temple.55And consecrated articles may not be destroyed. It is necessary for the Rambam to give this explanation, because the Torah refers to the first fruits as terumah and impure terumah may be kindled.
כ׳הַמַּפְרִישׁ בִּכּוּרָיו וְנָמַקּוּ אוֹ נִבְזְזוּ אוֹ אָבְדוּ אוֹ שֶׁנִּגְנְבוּ אוֹ שֶׁנִּטְמְאוּ חַיָּב לְהַפְרִישׁ אֲחֵרִים תַּחְתֵּיהֶם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כג יט) (שמות לד כו) "תָּבִיא בֵּית ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ" מְלַמֵּד שֶׁהוּא חַיָּב בְּאַחְרָיוּתָן עַד שֶׁיְּבִיאֵם לְהַר הַבַּיִת:
20When a person set aside his first fruits and they rotted away,56See Halachah 3 which states that spoiled produce is unacceptable. were taken by others, lost, stolen, or became impure,57For then, they are no longer fit to be offered. he is obligated to set aside others in place of them,58He does not, however, make the declaration for the first fruits when bringing these fruits, as stated in Chapter 4, Halachah 9. as [Exodus 23:19] states: '...bring to the house of God your Lord.' This teaches that one is liable to replace them until he brings them to the Temple Mount.59Once he brings them to the Temple Courtyard, he is not liable to replace even if they become impure (Radbaz).
כ״אהַמַּפְרִישׁ בִּכּוּרָיו לְהַעֲלוֹתָן בְּיָדוֹ לִירוּשָׁלַיִם לֹא יִשְׁלָחֵם בְּיַד שָׁלִיחַ. וְאִם לִקְּטָן מִתְּחִלָּה עַל מְנָת לְשַׁלְּחָם בְּיַד שָׁלִיחַ הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר לְשַׁלְּחָם:
21If a person set aside his first fruits to bring them to Jerusalem himself, he should not send them with an agent60The rationale for this ruling can be explained as follows: When a person sends his first fruits to the Temple via an agent, the agent does not make the declaration (Chapter 4, Halachah 2). Since they were harvested in a manner that allows that declaration to be made, it is improper for them to be sent in a manner that prevents it from being made. If, however, he initially harvested them with the intent of sending them [to the Temple] with an agent, it is permitted for him to do so.61For in this instance, they were harvested with the intent that the declaration not be made.