Counting the Omer: How and Why

Right now we are counting the Omer. Day by day we move forward from the

liberation of Pesach toward the fulfillment of Shavuot. This counting is agricultural – the

Jews of old had planted their wheat, and were awaiting (with hope and fear) the “First

fruits” – the crop that would either sustain them for the year to come, or not. Here in

Wisconsin, farmers are watching a dry winter turn into a flooded spring, and no doubt

wondering the same thing!

The count is also spiritual – we use each day of the Omer to contemplate our own

inner progress as we await the joy of Shavuot, when we will mark the giving of the Torah

at Sinai. As you can read at “Judaism 101” ( http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayc.htm )

“It is noteworthy that the holiday is called the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than

the time of the receiving of the Torah. The sages point out that we are constantly in the

process of receiving the Torah, that we receive it every day, but it was first given at this

time. Thus it is the giving, not the receiving, that makes this holiday significant.”

Even if it is not your custom to count the Omer formally, you may want to

consider this thought from Rabbi Louis Jacobs z”l: “In the kabbalah [Jewish mysticism]

each of the 49 days of the Omer represents one of the combinations of the seven lower

Sefirot (divine emanations, i.e., in each one there are all seven) and in a kabbalistic prayer

the worshipper entreats God to help him [or her] lead pure life and pardon him [or her]

for the flaw he [or she] has produced in the Sefirah of the day.” I always find it a

challenge to count the Omer in this mindful way, but each year I progress a little further

toward a regular observance of it. Recently Sherri Heidel recommended to me a book by R. Karyn Kedar, Omer: A Counting, which features short inspirational readings for each

day. I’m looking forward to using this book to help me focus.

Throughout the Omer season we continue to come together, to worship, to study,

and to enjoy each other’s company. Watch your email – please! – for reminders about up-

coming services, classes, and social events. I am planning a short class on the Jewish

approaches to illness, death, and mourning, as well as a special service, oneg with

delicious dairy items, and an evening of study on May 22 for Shavuot. The Liturgy class

will wrap up soon, while the “Finding God” class will continue for a few more sessions.

Let me know what else you might like to study. Enjoy these beautiful spring days!