Page "Passover" Paragraph 92

One explanation for the Counting of the Omer is that it shows the connection between Passover and Shavuot.

The physical freedom that the Hebrews achieved at the Exodus from Egypt was only the beginning of a process that climaxed with the spiritual freedom they gained at the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Another explanation is that the newborn nation which emerged after the Exodus needed time to learn their new responsibilities vis-a-vis Torah and mitzvot before accepting God's law.

The distinction between the Omer offering — a measure of barley, typically animal fodder — and the Shavuot offering — two loaves of wheat bread, human food — symbolizes the transition process.