Bikkurim

("First Fruits"). Last tractate of Order Zera'Im in the Mishnah. Its three chapters deal with the laws governing the First Fruits of Erets Israel, which in Temple times the farmer had to bring to Jerusalem (cf. Ex. 23:19, 34:26; Deut. 26:1-11). This offering was limited to the Seven Species that grow abundantly in the Land of Israel. The Mishnah discusses who is obligated to bring the first fruits, the declaration made upon offering them, the differences between first fruits and other kinds of Tithe, and the colorful processions that took place all over the country when people went up to Jerusalem with their offerings. Androginos, a fourth chapter later added to this tractate, deals with some of the legal problems faced by a hermaphrodite in regard to ritual impurity, marriage, and tithes. The subject matter is amplified in the Jerusalem Talmud and the Tosefta.

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