449. Don’t Jump the Gun: The prohibition against eating first fruits prematurely

Bikkurim - first fruits - are another of the special gifts that were given to the kohein. These fruits were brought in a basket to the Temple, where they were handed to a kohein. The kohanim were not allowed to eat from them, however, until they were placed down in the Temple courtyard.

The reason that a kohein may not eat the first fruits prematurely - and a non-kohein may not eat them at all - was explained in Mitzvah #91: bikkurim are intended to remind people that all we have comes from God. When a person rejoices on his produce, he is to remember God and thank Him for the fruit by giving by giving this gift to the kohanim. The kohanim, of course, have to wait for this gift to be given to them before they partake. Being placed down in the azarah (the Temple courtyard) is when the bikkurim enter their domain.

This mitzvah applies at a time when the Temple service is in effect. It is discussed in the Talmud in tractate Makkos (18b-19b). It is codified in the Mishneh Torah in the third chapter of Hilchos Bikkurim. This mitzvah is #148 of the 365 negative mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos.