Take One Daf Yomi Menachot 61 and 62 - Raise Your Lambs in the Air
Mar 13, 2026
A dramatic look at the ritual of waving lambs and loaves toward the four directions. Discussion of views that the rite declares God’s presence everywhere, asks for protection from weather, or acts as a symbolic defense against spiritual harm. Exploration of three religious approaches and how people shift between metaphysical, practical, and combative faith in daily life.
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Waving As A Tribute To God's Omnipresence
- The priest's waving (tznufah) symbolizes dedicating offerings to God's omnipresence by pointing them to the four directions and raising toward heaven.
- Leah Libowitz highlights this as a soulful, cinematic ritual that affirms God is everywhere and everywhere acknowledged.
Waving As A Plea Against Weather Calamity
- An alternative view treats tznufah as a practical plea to stop harmful winds, storms, dew, and rain affecting the community.
- Leah contrasts Babylonian theology with Eretz Yisrael's earthy, protection-focused interpretation of the rite.
Waving As A Taunt At Satan
- Rav Acha bar Yaakov would wave the lulav and say he was shooting an arrow in the eye of Satan to celebrate continued joyful mitzvah observance.
- The Gemara cautions this boasting could provoke Satan to redouble efforts to tempt the Jewish people.
