תרומה

Parshat Emor deals with various rules related to the Kohanim. Among them, are the rules related to their receiving the gift known as, תרומה.

This refers to the initial separation of approximately two per cent of the produce of the field. It is sanctified given to the Kohein and his family to enjoy. It must be eaten in a state of purity, and great care must be taken to make sure that the Teruma is not defiled.

We also learn in the Parsha that a daughter of a Kohein, the בת כהן, is allowed to eat of this hallowed food until she marries a non-Kohein. If that marriage is terminated by divorce, or the death of the husband, and she is childless, she may go back to her father’s house and continue to eat תרומה.

The first Mishna of ברכות speaks of the alacrity of the Kohanim, and, they knew the exact moment when darkness came, if they were recovering from a state of impurity. They were eager to eat of this holy food at the first possible moment. When others saw the Kohanim partaking of תרומה, they knew it was late enough to recite the evening שמע.

The penalty for a non-Kohein eating תרומה, or a כהן in a state of impurity eating it, is מיתה בידי שמים, death by the Heavenly court. This shows the great care needed, and the severity of not giving the proper care of this holy food.