share torah logo

Leviticus 23:12 - First fruits' perfect lamb offering?

Leviticus 23:12 - ויקרא 23:12

Hebrew Text

וַעֲשִׂיתֶם בְּיוֹם הֲנִיפְכֶם אֶת־הָעֹמֶר כֶּבֶשׂ תָּמִים בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And you shall offer that day when you wave the ῾omer a he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering to the Lord.

Transliteration

Va'asitem beyom hanifchem et-ha'omer keves tamim ben-shanato le'olah la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֕ם בְּי֥וֹם הֲנִֽיפְכֶ֖ם אֶת־הָעֹ֑מֶר כֶּ֣בֶשׂ תָּמִ֧ים בֶּן־שְׁנָת֛וֹ לְעֹלָ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֕ם בְּי֥וֹם הֲנִֽיפְכֶ֖ם אֶת־הָעֹ֑מֶר כֶּ֣בֶשׂ תָּמִ֧ים בֶּן־שְׁנָת֛וֹ לְעֹלָ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Offering of the Omer and Its Significance

The verse (Vayikra 23:12) commands the bringing of a keves tamim ben shanato (an unblemished male lamb in its first year) as an olah (burnt offering) on the day the omer is waved. This offering is intrinsically connected to the mitzvah of Sefirat HaOmer (the Counting of the Omer).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 23:12) explains that this lamb is offered "besha'at tenufat ha'omer"—at the time of the waving of the omer. The omer offering, made from barley, represents the beginning of the harvest season, while the lamb offering signifies gratitude to Hashem for the produce and livestock. Rashi emphasizes that this offering must be tamim (unblemished) and in its first year, symbolizing purity and renewal.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Temidin U'Musafin (7:3), the Rambam codifies this mitzvah as part of the additional offerings brought on Chol HaMoed Pesach. He notes that this lamb is distinct from the daily tamid offering and serves as a musaf (additional offering) for the occasion of the omer waving. The Rambam underscores that this offering is a public declaration of our dependence on Hashem for sustenance.

Symbolism in the Midrash

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:3) connects this offering to the merit of Avraham Avinu, who offered a ram in place of Yitzchak at the Akeidah. Just as Avraham demonstrated complete devotion, we too offer a lamb to reaffirm our commitment to Hashem. Additionally, the lamb's youth (ben shanato) represents the Jewish people's renewal during this season of redemption (Pesach) and spiritual preparation for Matan Torah (Shavuos).

Halachic Details from the Talmud

The Talmud (Menachos 45b) discusses the precise timing of this offering, stating it must be brought "beyom hanifchem es ha'omer"—on the very day the omer is waved (the 16th of Nisan). The Gemara also notes that this lamb is one of several offerings brought that day, including the omer itself and the accompanying minchah (meal offering).

  • Unblemished (tamim): The lamb must be free of physical defects, symbolizing the integrity required in our service of Hashem.
  • First year (ben shanato): Represents new beginnings, aligning with the themes of Pesach and the spring season.
  • Burnt offering (olah): Entirely consumed on the altar, reflecting total dedication to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 45b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the offering of the omer and the accompanying sacrifices.
📖 Chullin 120a
Referenced in a discussion about the requirements for sacrificial animals, specifically the lamb offered with the omer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'omer' mentioned in Leviticus 23:12?
A: The 'omer' refers to a measure of barley that was brought as an offering on the second day of Passover, marking the beginning of the counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer). This offering was waved before Hashem in the Temple, as explained in the Talmud (Menachot 65b).
Q: Why is a lamb offered with the omer in Leviticus 23:12?
A: The unblemished lamb offered as a burnt offering (olah) alongside the omer symbolizes complete devotion to Hashem. Rashi explains that this offering demonstrates gratitude for the new barley harvest and reinforces our dependence on Hashem for sustenance.
Q: What does 'without blemish' mean in this verse?
A: A lamb 'without blemish' (tamim) means it must be physically perfect, without any defects, as required for all sacrificial offerings. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbeach 7:1) details the specific disqualifying blemishes that would invalidate an animal for sacrifice.
Q: How does Leviticus 23:12 connect to the counting of the Omer?
A: This verse introduces the mitzvah of bringing the omer offering, which begins the 49-day count (Sefirat HaOmer) leading to Shavuot. The Talmud (Menachot 66a) teaches that this counting links Passover (physical freedom) with Shavuot (receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai).
Q: Is the omer offering still relevant today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring the omer offering without the Temple, we still count the Omer each night between Passover and Shavuot (as per Rambam, Hilchos Temidin U'Musafin 7:22-24). This maintains our spiritual preparation for receiving the Torah, as practiced since ancient times.