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Why does the Torah (תורה) say both "seven complete weeks" and "count fifty days" when seven weeks equals only forty-nine days? The Ramban (רמב"ן) explains that the fiftieth day represents the sha'ar hachamishim (fiftieth gate of understanding) - the transcendent source from which Torah emanates. We count toward this level but cannot reach it, making the fiftieth day both defining and unattainable.
This shiur examines a fundamental textual difficulty in Parshas Emor regarding Sefirat HaOmer. The Torah (תורה) states both that we should count "seven complete weeks" and also "count fifty days," creating an apparent contradiction since seven weeks equals forty-nine days, not fifty. Rashi (רש"י) addresses this difficulty by first citing a Midrash that breaks up the verse: "Until the day after the seventh week you shall count" (meaning forty-nine days, not including the fiftieth), and then separately "fifty days you shall bring a new offering" (referring to bringing the korban on the fiftieth day). However, Rashi then states "I say this is the Midrash," indicating it's not the peshat, and offers his own interpretation using the concept of "mikra mesoret" - that the verse should be read as counting until the fiftieth day (exclusive), with the phrase "fifty days" referring back to describe which day we count until.
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Parshas Emor, Vayikra 23:15-16
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