Menachos 68

This episode of Daf Yomi with Dovid Charnowitz explores the intricate halachic discussion surrounding the Minchas Ha'Emer (Omer offering) and its role in permitting the consumption of new grain (Chadash) in Eretz Yisrael. The episode delves into the debate between Rabbanan and Rabbi Yehuda regarding when Chadash becomes permitted: whether it is immediately upon the bringing of the Omer offering (Mishakara V'Emer), or only at the time of the Omer's offering (Heirah Mizrach). The discussion centers on the question of whether the Omer itself is the primary matir (permitter) or if it is the time of day (chatzais hayom) that permits Chadash. After the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, Rav Yochanan ben Zakkai instituted a takana that the entire day of the 16th of Nisan remains Asur (forbidden) for Chadash, a stringency that became normative for Chutz La'aretz. The episode examines how different Amoraim in Bavel and Eretz Yisrael interpreted these rulings, with some holding the most stringent view—waiting until the night of the 17th—while others followed a more lenient approach. The discussion also touches on the order of bringing offerings, particularly whether bringing the Sh'tei HaLechem before the Omer invalidates the mitzvah, and concludes with a halachic analysis of whether a Minchas Chitin (barley offering) can be brought before the Sh'tei HaLechem, and whether such an offering would be valid B'di'eved.