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Leviticus 23:16 - Counting to Shavuot's wheat offering

Leviticus 23:16 - ויקרא 23:16

Hebrew Text

עַד מִמָּחֳרַת הַשַּׁבָּת הַשְּׁבִיעִת תִּסְפְּרוּ חֲמִשִּׁים יוֹם וְהִקְרַבְתֶּם מִנְחָה חֲדָשָׁה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

to the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall you number fifty days and you shall offer a new meal offering to the Lord.

Transliteration

Ad mimocharat haShabbat haShvi'it tisperu chamishim yom vehikravtem mincha chadasha laHashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַ֣ד מִֽמׇּחֳרַ֤ת הַשַּׁבָּת֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תִּסְפְּר֖וּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים י֑וֹם וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֛ם מִנְחָ֥ה חֲדָשָׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃
עַ֣ד מִֽמׇּחֳרַ֤ת הַשַּׁבָּת֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ת תִּסְפְּר֖וּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים י֑וֹם וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֛ם מִנְחָ֥ה חֲדָשָׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 23:16) is part of the Torah's instructions regarding the counting of the Omer and the observance of Shavuot. It commands the Jewish people to count fifty days from "the morrow after the seventh Shabbat" and then bring a new meal offering (mincha chadasha) to Hashem. This period is known as Sefirat HaOmer, connecting Pesach to Shavuot.

Key Interpretations from Traditional Sources

  • Rashi's Explanation: Rashi clarifies that "the morrow after the seventh Shabbat" refers to the day after the first day of Pesach (which is a Yom Tov with Shabbat-like restrictions). The counting begins on the second night of Pesach and continues for 49 days, culminating in the 50th day, which is Shavuot.
  • Rambam's Perspective: In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (7:17), Rambam emphasizes that the counting is a mitzvah d'oraita (a Torah commandment) and must be done verbally each night. The offering of the new meal offering (from the new wheat harvest) symbolizes gratitude for the sustenance provided by Hashem.
  • Talmudic Insight (Menachot 65b): The Talmud debates whether "Shabbat" here refers to the weekly Shabbat or the Yom Tov of Pesach. The conclusion follows Rashi's view that it refers to the first day of Pesach, as the counting always begins on a fixed date (16 Nisan).

The Significance of Counting Fifty Days

The counting period represents the spiritual journey from Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) to Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai). The Mincha Chadasha (new meal offering) on Shavuot symbolizes renewal and dedication to Torah study and mitzvot, as the Jewish people reaffirm their covenant with Hashem.

Midrashic Teachings

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 28:3) connects the fifty days to the fifty gates of understanding (Binah), suggesting that each day of counting refines our spiritual readiness to receive the Torah. The "new offering" reflects the renewed commitment of Klal Yisrael to live by the Torah's teachings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 65b
The verse is discussed in the context of counting the Omer and the offering of the new meal offering on Shavuot.
📖 Chagigah 17b
Referenced in a discussion about the timing and procedures of the festival offerings, particularly in relation to Shavuot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the morrow after the seventh sabbath' refer to in Leviticus 23:16?
A: This phrase refers to the day after the 49th day of counting the Omer, which is the holiday of Shavuot. According to Rashi, 'the seventh sabbath' means the seventh week (not Shabbat), and the 'morrow' is the 50th day when Shavuot is celebrated.
Q: Why do we count 50 days in Leviticus 23:16?
A: The Torah commands us to count 50 days from the second day of Passover until Shavuot to show our excitement and preparation for receiving the Torah. The Rambam explains that this counting connects the physical freedom of Passover with the spiritual freedom of receiving the Torah on Shavuot.
Q: What is the 'new meal offering' mentioned in Leviticus 23:16?
A: The 'new meal offering' (Mincha Chadasha) refers to the special offering brought in the Temple on Shavuot from the new wheat harvest. The Talmud (Menachot 84b) explains it had to be from freshly harvested grain, showing gratitude to Hashem for the new crops.
Q: How do we observe this verse today without the Temple?
A: Today we continue counting the Omer for 49 days between Passover and Shavuot (as the 50th day is Shavuot itself). While we can't bring the meal offering, we celebrate Shavuot by studying Torah all night and eating dairy foods to remember the sweetness of receiving the Torah.
Q: Why is this counting important in Judaism?
A: The counting builds anticipation like a spiritual ladder - each day we refine our character traits (based on Kabbalistic teachings) to be worthy of receiving the Torah. The Midrash compares it to a bride counting days until her wedding - we count with love for our reunion with the Torah on Shavuot.