BARLEY IS FOR ANIMALS AND WHEAT IS FOR MAN
Nations identify their greatness and success in terms of their economic success. A strong economy spells a strong nation. Naturally, national pride runs parallel to this strength. For a nation whose economy is based on their agricultural output we could well imagine that the period of their harvest would be a period where national pride reaches a climax. And yet, as we see from the mitzvah of the Omer and the prohibition to harvest the new crop before the
second day of Pesach, our people have a different perspective.