Gathering the pilgrims – Ki Tavo
Offering the bikkurim to the kohen
According to Nachmanides, the processions began miles away from Jerusalem. As they passed through the settlements and cities on the processional route, extra people would join on so that in the end there was a large contingent of pilgrims entering the Holy City.
In the morning an ox with its horns overlaid with gold would be brought to the Temple whilst the people would chant and sing. The party of pilgrims would be met by the communal leaders and everyone would dance through the city on the way to the sanctuary.
Pomp and ceremony would turn the day into an experience of great excitement and drama.
