Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'wave offering' mentioned in Leviticus 23:20?
A: The 'wave offering' (תְּנוּפָה) refers to a ritual where the Kohen (priest) would move the offering in a waving motion—forward, backward, up, and down—before presenting it to Hashem. According to Rashi, this symbolizes acknowledging that everything belongs to G-d, who controls all directions of the world.
Q: Why were the two lambs and bread of the firstfruits offered together?
A: The two lambs and the bread of the firstfruits (לֶחֶם הַבִּכּוּרִים) were offered together on Shavuot as part of the thanksgiving for the wheat harvest. The Talmud (Menachot 61a) explains that this pairing represents gratitude for both material sustenance (bread) and spiritual elevation (the lambs as sacrifices).
Q: What does it mean that the offerings 'shall be holy to the Lord for the priest'?
A: This means that after the wave offering, the sacrifices and bread became sanctified and were given to the Kohanim (priests) to eat, as they were designated for holy use. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 8:11) explains that this teaches the importance of supporting those who serve in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
Q: How does this verse relate to the holiday of Shavuot?
A: This verse describes part of the Shavuot Temple service, where the first wheat harvest (symbolized by the bread) was brought alongside animal sacrifices. The Midrash (Sifra) connects this to the giving of the Torah, teaching that just as we offer our first produce to G-d, we must dedicate our 'first' and best efforts to Torah study and mitzvot.
Q: Can we observe this mitzvah today without the Temple?
A: Since the Beit HaMikdash is not standing, we cannot bring the wave offering today. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) teaches that we still celebrate Shavuot with Torah study and festive meals, internalizing the lesson of dedicating our 'first fruits'—our time and devotion—to spiritual growth.
The Wave Offering of the Firstfruits
The verse describes the mitzvah of tenufat bikkurim (the waving of the firstfruits) performed by the Kohen in the Beit HaMikdash. According to Rashi (Vayikra 23:20), this refers to the waving of the two loaves of bread made from the new wheat harvest on Shavuot, along with two sheep brought as sacrifices. The waving symbolizes dedicating these offerings to Hashem.
Symbolism of the Two Lambs
The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:11) explains that the two lambs represent completeness, as many offerings in the Torah come in pairs. The Midrash (Sifra Emor) connects them to the dual nature of Shavuot—both a harvest festival and the anniversary of Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah).
Holiness and the Priest's Portion
The Bread of the Firstfruits
The lechem habikkurim (bread of the firstfruits) is made from the new wheat, as the Mishnah (Menachot 8:1) details its preparation from the finest flour. The Chizkuni notes that this offering expresses gratitude to Hashem for the harvest, paralleling the individual farmer's bringing of bikkurim to the Temple.