Parshat Kedoshim contains the prohibition of orla –the use of the fruit that grows on a tree for its first three years, and the commandment of neta revai – the obligation of bringing the fruit of the fourth year to Jerusalem and eating them there in a state of ritual purity. The appellation by which the Torah refers to these fruits is surprising. They are referred to as "uncircumcised" (arelim), which implies a negative perspective. This article explores the term arel, as it appears in Tanakh, and analyzes the term against the backdrop of the other commandments of reshit. We will therefore be able to come to an understanding as to man’s relationship with the fruit of Eretz Yisrael, and making use of these fruits in this world for our own benefit, in a proper and blessed manner.

Bikkurim - First Fruit
Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion