This week at streetprophets, a spiritually directed sister-blog to Daily Kos, Navy Vet Terp has posted the weekly D’Var Torah on tomorrow’s parsha, First Fruits.

Navy Vet Terp excerpts the commandment regarding the bringing of the first fruits into Jerusalem. The Lord commands us to make pilgrimage together (sort of like holding a rally), bringing our first fruits in baskets to give to the Lord. We recite statements about our father who was a wandering Aramean, and remind ourselves to remember that we were once slaves in Egypt. Rich and poor travel side by side, their offerings equally pleasing in the eyes of G-d.

Navy Vet Terp helps us to understand the parsha by quoting the Mishnah, Bikkurim, Chapter Three, which describes the procession of the first fruits in the loveliest of terms. S/he then reflects on the life of Senator Kennedy. Born into great privilege and wealth, the Senator began his life walking the same sort of path as a certain former president. He partied and womanized and indulged his appetites. But then, when tragedy struck as a result of his heedlessness, he reconsidered, devoting the remainder of his life to improving the lot of the least among us.

Navy Vet Terp quotes a passage from a letter that Senator Kennedy wrote to the Pope…a letter about the meaning of faith. S/he concludes that the purpose of the pilgrimage of first fruits is to remind the wealthy that their wealth is a gift for the benefit of all; to re-introduce humility in their lives.

Ted Kennedy represents the best of this tradition.

Please check out Navy Vet Terp’s diary and leave a comment! Consider it a first fruit offering.