Menahot 84 (5786)

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Rabbi Linzer reveals a surprising opinion that the Omer, meant to permit new grain, can itself be brought from last year's harvest.

Rabbi Dov Linzer begins the Daf Yomi class on Menahot 84 by recapping the previous page's Mishnah, which stated that all Menachot can come from old or new grain, Israeli or diaspora grain, except for the Omer and Shetei HaLechem, which must be from new grain in Israel. He notes that Tannaim debate whether these exceptions can even come from old grain. The episode then examines whether the Omer and Shetei HaLechem must come from grain grown in Israel, citing Tanna Rabbi Yosef who argues they can come from outside Israel based on linking the prohibition of new grain (Chadash) in the diaspora to the offering's permissibility. Linzer finds this ideologically disturbing as it suggests the Torah values diaspora harvests. The Gemara explains this position through exegesis of verses like 'from the places where you dwell.' Next, the class tackles a practical problem: how to bring the Omer on Shemitah when produce must be eaten, not burned. A student suggests using last year's grain, but this is rejected based on verses requiring freshness ('karmel'). The discussion shifts to how the Torah specifies barley for the Omer, using words like 'aviv' and parallels to individual meal offerings. Linzer highlights the irony that the Omer, brought from barley, permits all new grain, while Shetei HaLechem, from wheat, permits new grain on the altar. The episode then explores whether Bikurim must come from the best-quality produce, such as dates from valleys rather than mountaintops. A debate between Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish ensues: Rabbi Yochanan says inferior Bikurim are invalid, while Reish Lakish says they are valid post-facto. The Gemara supports these views with verses and distinctions about growing conditions, like rooftops or boats. Linzer ties this to Shavuot's agricultural themes, emphasizing the Shetei HaLechem as the first of all labors. The class concludes with technicalities about Bikurim from non-ideal locations and whether declarations are made, setting up the next page.

As heard by us

A focused review of how the Omer reframes ownership, communal action, and Shemitah law.

Menahot 84 treats the Omer as a way into what ritual rules are meant to guard. The shiur starts with the Mishnah's permission to bring menachot from old or new grain, from Eretz Yisrael or beyond it, then narrows to the Omer and its companion offering.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want a Talmud class where old grain, communal harvesting, and a hole in a pottery boat all collide?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Daf Yomi by YCT with Rabbi Dov Linzer