Talking Talmud

What about produce that remains attached to the ground? Is that to be tithed? Is it food? Also, a new mishnah with the 5 grains that are obligated in "challah" - giving a portion to God - plus, the same 5 that can become both matzah and chametz.

Does the omer offering render kernels that are planted in the ground permitted? It depends on whether they have taken root. Also, sales of grain - with questions as to whether it's movable property or land, and how to deal honestly, rather than in fraudulent ways. And what about swearing as to the honesty of their handling? Under what circumstances - the narrowest of them - does the omer offering permit aspects of planted unrooted kernels, or not? Also, when wheat or barley kernels are mixed into the dung of cattle or other animals, what rules apply to that grain? What about when an elephant swallows an Egyptian wicker basket - and excretes it intact? Or if an elephant swallows leaves whole and excretes them whole? Or wolves who swallowed and excreted (intact, though not alive) two babies. With implications for purity and impurity.

2 mishnayot - 1. The impact of bringing the omer offering - and how it releases the new grain from that status, even at quite a physical distance from the Temple. Plus, determining what is done in the absence of a Temple in terms schedule (the release from the prohibition against new grain is not cancelled). Also, the decree of R. Yohanan ben Zakkai. [What's What: The decrees of R. Yohanan ben Zakkai]. 2. - The schedule of other grain-offerings in the context of the omer. And also the 2 loaves of Shavuot. What is the significance and impact of each? Plus, new wine, and how the omer didn't have impact on it (or maybe it did!).

Questions by Rava that lead to his seeking answers in a dream! What if dough were kneaded by a non-Jew? Is that dough subject to having hallah separated? What is the status of the dough? With answers coming from a parallel to the case of a convert -- and his dough. Of course, the dream-sourced answers are then queried by other sages, to no conclusion, or at least not as yet. Plus, the process of offering the omer sacrifice and the actions and items that offering the omer rendered permitted.

More on the opinions about when the omer offering was to be brought - as presented by the Tannaim, and explained (and refuted and then finally upheld) by Rava. Plus, the question of how to count the omer. Also, a new mishnah - on handling the omer and parching the grain. The Gemara follows, defining the springtime and elaborating on how they would parch the grain. Plus, bringing the first fruits - including these barley parched groats. And soft ears of the grain too. Note that some analysis here of the salient verses receive word-play acronym interpretations.