Daf Yomi, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy
Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses that prior to the inauguration of the Mishkan, sacrificial service was performed by the firstborn. They lost this privilege due to the sin of the Golden Calf.
The Divrei Dovid (Toldos 25:31) asks how Yaakov could purchase the birthright from Esav. It is forbidden for a non-cohen to perform the sacrifices; likewise a non-firstborn should also be in violation. He answers that prior to the appointment of the Levites, anyone could serve; the firstborn merely had priority out of respect.
Related to the loss of first born privilege, the Seforno (Devarim 26:13) has a creative derash to explains why the declaration of having fulfilled all the tithing at the time of bringing the first fruits to the Temple is called viduy. Viduy classically means more than just a declaration; it means confession. What sin is being confessed? The phrase “I have cleared out the sacred from my home” hints at the loss of firstborn service after the Golden Calf. Every family lost a local source of holiness, because every family could potentially have had a first born who served in the Temple.
Combining these ideas, the lament becomes personal. Not only could the first born serve, but anyone really. The confession is: “I could have served God, and I drove that opportunity out of my home.”
Rabbenu Bechaye (Devarim 26:1) says any special talent that a person has, e.g. a good singing voice, he should dedicate it in service of God, and this is a broader application of the concept of Bikkurim. When contemplating the moment of dedicating and being thankful for the first fruits, we also contemplate potential fulfilled and not fulfilled. This is the time to think, how did I miss holy opportunities and drive it away from my home?
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
Free resource for couples/families:
Over 80 lectures on heathy communication, marriage and sexuality from a Torah perspective Click here
If you liked this, you might enjoy my Relationship Communications Guide. Click on the link above.
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com