Mishpatim: Rishpei Aish-Chaim vaChesed: Mitzvah 72 – Concept 270

“The choicest first fruit of your land shall you bring to the House of God, your Lord.” (Exodus 23:19) We must set aside the first fruits and bring them to the Temple. (Rambam, Hilchot Bikkurim – The Laws of the First Fruits and Other Cohanic Gifts)

Morning Blessings:

“The choicest first fruit of your land,” refers to the first thoughts you have in the morning; they must be about holy matters, as in, “shall you bring to the House of God, your Lord.” (Rabbi Mordechai of Neshchiz – Rishpei Aish)

Eating Awareness:

When your thoughts turn to “your land,” your physical needs, the first thing you must do is focus on raising the physical to the spiritual realms, the House of God. (Rabbi Chaim Chaike of Amdor – Chaim Vachesed)