Orlah, an expression of gratitude.
There is an interesting mitzvah discussed in our parashah, that of Orlah. It is forbidden to eat from any fruit tree during its first three years of growth. In the fourth year, the fruits have a special holy status and must be eaten in Yerushalayim or redeemed (19:23). Subsequently, it is permitted to eat the fruit from the tree. What is the reason behind this mitzvah? Why can we not just eat the fruit right away?
The Ramban answers with something beautiful. He explains that the basis behind this mitzvah is to express our gratitude for the fruit. It is essential that we attribute the fact that we have delicious fruits to Hashem and praise Him first, before we benefit from them. Therefore, during the first three years, when the fruits are not yet so developed, we are forbidden from eating them, since we have not yet had the opportunity to praise Hashem for the best fruits. Only in the fourth year, when the crops have fully developed, we are commanded to take them to Yerushalayim or redeem them. This is a way of praising Hashem for our delicious new fruits and recognising that it is a gift from Him, before we benefit from them!
We learn from the mitzvah of Orlah that everything we have is such a precious gift from Hashem, and it is essential to express gratitude before benefitting. This is also the reason why we are commanded to recite berachos before we eat and drink. As Chazal teach, “It is forbidden to benefit from this world until we recite a berachah”. (Berachos 35a)
Each bite we take from an apple, each sip of coffee we enjoy, is such a priceless gift. Reciting berachos is the perfect way of expressing appreciation, showing how thankful we are to our loving caring Father, for His unlimited gifts.
A grandchild of Rabbi Avigdor Miller once described how he observed his grandfather eating an apple. Before reciting the berachah, he gazed at the fruit with appreciation and awe, exclaiming “Ribono Shel Olam, what a wonderful apple You created. The waterproof peel displays Your brilliant ingenuity; the pleasant fragrance and taste are a true testimony to Your loving kindness. To think that You created such a delicious fruit for me? How could I even begin to thank You?” He then recited the berachah with such appreciation, awe and emotion.
