To bring two loaves to accompany the Shavuot offering sacrifice

This mitzvah commands the offering of shtei halechem (two loaves) on Shavuot, the only communal offering of chametz permitted in the Temple. These loaves, made from the first wheat harvest, were waved with two lambs of shelamim and became sanctified for priestly consumption. Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:2) codifies this mitzvah as central to Shavuot.

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 308) explains the two loaves symbolize the perfection of Israel’s harvest and the completion of the journey from barley (Omer) to wheat (Torah). Talmud (Menachot 45b) teaches that just as Israel received Torah on Shavuot, the loaves reflected their spiritual readiness, elevated from animal fodder (barley) to human food (wheat). Ramban highlights that the two loaves paralleled the two tablets of the Torah, both received on Shavuot.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:2): Details the preparation, waving, and priestly consumption of the loaves.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 308): Teaches the loaves symbolize completion and elevation.
• Talmud (Menachot 45b): Describes the unique waving ritual with loaves and lambs.
• Rashi (Lev. 23:17): Notes they were the only communal chametz offering, showing uniqueness.
• Ramban: Compares the two loaves to the two tablets of Torah, both central to covenantal identity.

Contrast with the Omer Offering (Mitzvah 384):

• The Omer was barley, marking the start of harvest; the loaves were wheat, marking completion.
• The Omer permitted new grain for personal use; the loaves sanctified wheat for the Mikdash.
• Sefer HaChinuch highlights the Omer as humility, loaves as maturity.

Parallel to Lechem HaPanim (Showbread, Mitzvah 381):

• Both symbolized Israel’s sustenance tied to Hashem.
• The showbread was weekly, ongoing sanctity; the two loaves were annual, climactic sanctity.
• Ramban explains both tied bread to holiness, but the loaves linked specifically to Shavuot’s Torah.