The Miracle of Fruit

First fruits brought to the Temple were not a one-off affair They were first brought on the Pentecost right up to the New Year Farmers, each with his own basket, formed a lively parade Singing songs of praise while a flautist merrily played The artisans of Jerusalem met them at the city’s gate Welcoming those who put delicious fruits on their plate Then the King himself placed a basket of fruit onto his shoulder Joining the parade as a humble stakeholder The ceremony of the First Fruits, a new beginning for us all Glory to God for the miracle of fruit, inside the Holy Temple’s walls _______________________________________________________ The first fruits for which the Land of Israel is blessed - wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates - can be brought each year from Shavuos/Pentecost (late May or June to Rosh Hashana/New Year (Sept. or early October). This is part of the Torah portion read this Saturday in synagogues world over. See Deteronomy 26: 1-15