Menachot 62: Meanings of the Waving Ritual

Today's daf focuses on the reasoning behind the practice of waving the Shavuot offerings. We learn from Rabbi Chiyya bar Abba in the name of Rabbi Yochanan on we extent the offering and bring it back to dedicate it to G-d to Whom the four directions belong.  We raise and lower them to dedicate them to G-d to Whom heaven and earth belong.  

In Jerusalem (the West) it was taught that Rav Chama bar Ukva said in the name of Rabbi Yosei bar Rabbi Chanina that we extend the lambs and bring them back in order to keep off harmful winds.  We raise and lower the sacrifice to keep away harmful dews.

Rava argues that the reasoning for waving the lulav on Sukkot is similar.  But then again, Rabbi Acha bar Yaakov extended and brought it back while saying "I am shooting an arrow in the eye of Satan!"  The rabbis argued against this practice, suggesting that this will induce Satan to incite the Jews to sin.  Quite the logical argument, based on the logic of ancient Biblical law.

The Rishonim clarify:In the first approach, the point of waving the sacrifice in different directions is to thank G-d who rules in all directions.  This type of recognition should not be limited to waving.  The second approach connects waving with wind and dew, which is appropriate at Shavuot and Sukkot - both festivals which take place during important agricultural change and uncertainty.