The Dough Offered as Firstfruits
Obscured amid the detailed instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, there is a fundamental key to the service of G_D. Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. - Exodus 25:2
Obscured amid the detailed instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, there is a fundamental key to the service of G_D.
Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. - Exodus 25:2
Instructed to bring an offering to G_D, from the heart, the people fulfilled this request, even contributing more than required. Apart from the lesson in obedience, we are taught that building a sanctuary for G_D (Exodus 25:8) must involve the heart.
This dimension is a key factor in understanding the Terumah offering.
The Terumah Offering
The Hebrew word "Terumah" comes from the root (רומ) that means to 'lift up', or 'elevate'¹. Unlike the more commonly known sin or guilt offering, the Terumah is a whole category of offerings that are to be a gift to G_D.
Underlying the Terumah is; intention, a state of purity, and in some cases, the amount given is up to the offerer. Some commonly known Terumah offerings are Tithes, First-fruit offerings, Redemption of the firstborn sons, and the offering of Challah². When given with genuine love for the Creator, the effects can be far-reaching.
Hafrashat Challah
Orthodox Jewish women still observe this today, usually when baking Challah for Shabbat. Known as Hafrashat Challah², it is customary to pull a corner from the loaf and let it burn off in the oven.
Midrash
For a moment, think back to Abraham's discussion with G_D about Sodom and Gemorah (in Genesis 18) where it is revealed that a relatively small number of righteous people can prevent an entire city [of evil] from destruction³. Unfortunately, as was also the case in the story of Noah, the minimum quota could not be found, and we know the rest of the story.
This idea is connected with the Terumah offering in the Midrash. Recognizing the state of the world was insufficient, G_D regarded Israel as a Terumah offering - a righteous few who would keep the plan of redemption on track. We read;
Our forefathers were the Terumah of the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is stated, Israel is holy to Hashem, "the first of His crop' (Jeremiah 2:3).
- Exodus Rabbah 15:6
As long as Israel, or at least enough of Israel, remained true to its mission - the result would be a great degree of mercy for the world. The Artscroll commentary states;
[A comparison between the Terumah and the Jewish people]. Before Terumah is taken from a batch of produce, the produce is a mixture of holy and profane, and for that reason it is forbidden for consumption. When the owner designates a specific portion as Terumah and separates it, he rectifies the produce and makes it suitable for eating. - Artscroll Commentary on Exodus Rabbah 15:6
In a later Chasidic work, this idea is made more explicit. A small minority can elevate the majority.
"And even though he distributes no more than a fifth part, this fifth part carries the other four parts with it up to G_D to provide a dwelling for Him…"
"… And through the sacrifice of one animal, all living things were elevated to G_D through the offering of one animal, all plants through that of one-tenth of fine meal mixed with oil, and so on." - Tanya 34, pg. 156
This may, for some, dramatically invert the way they have looked at the world and personal spiritual development. Instead of investing more time in coercing others to become more 'religious', we should consider the global impact that can come through self-refinement. Perhaps our growth will incite others to join in the journey - after all - this is the model given to Israel⁴.
Paul's Midrash
This is the idea behind Paul's use of this Midrashic in Romans 11. After carefully explaining how Israel had not been cut-off from their covenant with G_D⁵ - he leverages this ancient Midrash to reveal how the work of the few can sustain and elevate the rest.
If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump... - Romans 11:16
This has been and will continue to be Israel's role as we await the final redemption.
For more on Romans 11;
The Hidden Orchard
Notes:
¹ https://www.sefaria.org/BDB%2C_רוּם?lang=bi
² https://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/363331/jewish/6-Separating-Challah.htm
See also:When you enter the land to which I am taking you and you eat of the bread of the land, you shall set some aside as a gift to G_D as the first yield of your baking. You shall set aside a loaf as a gift; you shall set it aside as a gift like a gift from the threshing floor. - Numbers 15:18-20
³ https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.24?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
⁴ "Observe them faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws will say, “Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.” - Deuteronomy 4:6
⁵ https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/misunderstanding-pauls-message-in-romans-11/
