An Israeli child in a wheat field.

“From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks.  Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.”  (Leviticus 23:15–15)

Today is the second day of the week-long festival of Passover (Pesach) and the first day of counting the omer in preparation for Shavuot (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost), which is 50 days from now.

During Temple times, an omer—a measure of grain—was offered in the Temple on the second day of Passover (Pesach).

Fifty days later, on Shavuot, two loaves made from wheat were offered.

Shavuot is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the day the Torah was given on Mount Sinai.  For those who follow Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), it has added significance because the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was also poured out on this day.

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.”  (Acts 1:4)