To offer the wave offering from the meal of the new wheat (on the 2nd day of Passover)

The mitzvah of the Omer commanded Israel to bring the first sheaf of the barley harvest as a korban in the Temple. The kohen waved the omer in four directions and up and down, signifying Hashem’s sovereignty over heaven, earth, and all directions of the world (Menachot 62a).

This offering permitted the consumption of the new grain (chadash) throughout Israel. Rambam codifies the Omer in Hilchot Temidin uMusafin, linking it to gratitude for the land’s bounty. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 303) explains that the Omer expresses dependence on Hashem for sustenance, sanctifying agriculture itself. Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 28:6) teaches that barley — simple animal fodder — was offered first to remind Israel to begin with humility before moving toward higher offerings like wheat on Shavuot.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 7:11): Details the waving of the Omer and its permitting of chadash.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 303): Teaches the Omer trains Israel in gratitude for Hashem’s sustenance.
• Talmud (Menachot 62a): Describes the waving as acknowledgment of Hashem’s control over all directions and forces of nature.
• Rashi (Lev. 23:11): Notes that the waving “for your acceptance” meant securing Divine favor for the year’s crops.
• Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 28:6): Explains why barley — humble grain — was chosen, linking it to Israel’s modesty.

Contrast with Festival Musaf Offerings (Mitzvah 383):

• Pesach musafim represented national service through animal sacrifices.
• The Omer was agricultural, expressing gratitude for produce, not animals.
• Musafim atoned and sanctified Israel collectively, while the Omer permitted new grain, sanctifying daily food.
• Ramban explains the Omer linked Pesach’s redemption to the agricultural cycle of Eretz Yisrael.

Parallel to Shavuot’s Two Loaves (Mitzvah 387):

• The Omer (barley) opened the harvest season, while the two loaves (wheat) closed it.
• The Omer represented humility and dependence; the loaves represented completion, joy, and abundance.
• Rambam (Temidin 8:2) teaches both offerings formed a single arc: Pesach to Shavuot marked Israel’s journey from physical sustenance to spiritual Torah.
• Midrash Tanchuma (Emor 12) parallels the Omer and the loaves as Israel’s two-tier covenant: survival and sanctity.