Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'omer' mentioned in Leviticus 23:11?
A: The 'omer' refers to a measure of barley that was brought as an offering in the Temple on the second day of Passover. According to Rashi, this offering marked the beginning of the counting of the Omer, a 49-day period leading up to Shavuot. The waving of the omer before Hashem was a way to express gratitude for the new harvest.
Q: Why does the verse say 'on the morrow after the Sabbath'?
A: The phrase 'on the morrow after the Sabbath' refers to the day after the first day of Passover, which is treated like a Sabbath (Yom Tov) in terms of rest. The Talmud (Menachot 65b) explains that this means the omer offering was brought on the 16th of Nisan, the second day of Passover, not the weekly Sabbath. This interpretation follows the tradition passed down from the Sages.
Q: Why was the omer waved before Hashem?
A: The waving (tenufah) of the omer was a symbolic act of dedicating the first fruits of the barley harvest to Hashem. Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 7:6) explains that this gesture acknowledges that all sustenance comes from Hashem and expresses our gratitude. It also sanctifies the new harvest, making it permissible to eat from it.
Q: How does the mitzvah of the omer apply today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring the omer offering without the Temple, we still fulfill the mitzvah by counting the Omer for 49 days from the second night of Passover until Shavuot (Sefirat HaOmer). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 489:1) outlines the laws of this daily counting, which prepares us spiritually for receiving the Torah on Shavuot, just as our ancestors did after leaving Egypt.
Q: What is the significance of the priest (kohen) waving the omer?
A: The kohen's role in waving the omer emphasizes the importance of the Temple service in connecting the Jewish people to Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:3) teaches that the kohen acts as an intermediary to bring atonement and blessing to the nation through this offering. It also highlights the kohen's duty to represent the people in divine service.
The Waving of the Omer
The verse (Vayikra 23:11) describes the mitzvah of tenufat ha'omer (waving the omer offering) performed by the Kohen on the day after the first day of Pesach. This act signifies the beginning of the counting of the Omer, leading up to Shavuot.
Interpretation of "Mimacharat HaShabbat"
The phrase "mimacharat haShabbat" (the morrow after the Sabbath) is subject to debate among the Sages. According to the traditional Orthodox Jewish understanding, as explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 65b), "Shabbat" here refers not to the weekly Sabbath but to the first day of Pesach (Yom Tov), which is called "Shabbat" in this context because it is a day of rest. Thus, the waving occurs on the 16th of Nisan.
The Significance of the Waving
Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 7:6) explains that the waving consists of moving the omer offering in all four directions and up and down, symbolizing:
The Omer as a Prelude to Shavuot
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:6) teaches that the counting from the omer to Shavuot represents our spiritual preparation from Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus from Egypt) to Matan Torah (Receiving the Torah). The waving of the first barley harvest demonstrates our dedication to using even our material possessions for holy purposes.
Halachic Details
The Mishnah (Menachot 10:3-4) describes the detailed procedure: