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Beit HaMikdash

A farmer bringing first fruits

Your first figs have ripened. You tie a reed around them.Reconstruction educational simulation: A choice this site made to draw or model something the sources do not fully specify. About 6 minutes
Reconstruction: pilgrims carrying baskets of first fruits climb a stepped limestone street toward the Temple; the Sanctuary's square front with its doorless opening and stacked lintels rises at the top of the street.

  1. Scene 1 of 6

    After Shavuot

    First fruits may be brought from Shavuot onward, from the seven species of the land.

  2. Scene 2 of 6

    The gathering

    Your whole district gathers in its central town and sleeps in the open square. At dawn the officer calls: 'Let us arise and go up to Zion, into the house of the Lord our God.'

  3. Scene 3 of 6

    The procession

    An ox leads, its horns covered in gold and an olive crown on its head. A flute plays. Those from near bring fresh figs and grapes; you, from further away, bring dried figs and raisins.

  4. Scene 4 of 6

    Welcome

    At the city, officials come out to meet you, and the craftsmen of Jerusalem stand at their work and say: 'Our brothers, men of such and such a place, we welcome you in peace.'

  5. Scene 5 of 6 · The Temple Mount

    The Mount

    At the Temple Mount everyone carries his own basket on his shoulder, even the king. As you enter the Azarah the Levites sing: 'I will extol Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast raised me up.'

  6. Scene 6 of 6 · The Azarah (inner courtyard)

    The declaration

    You speak the Torah's words: 'A wandering Aramean was my father …', and end: 'I have brought the first of the fruit of the land, which Thou, O Lord, hast given me.' Then you rejoice 'in all the good'.