From the second night of Passover for the next forty–nine nights until Shavuot, the 50th day, I am on a spiritual journey––the Counting of the Omer. During this time, I reflect on acting in the world by considering seven of the ten divine emanations on the Sephirot. These are literally embodied, with some aspects on the right side, others on the left. The center elements balance both sides. This mystical practice of counting and introspection is preparation for receiving revelation on Shavuot, a holiday that falls after Passover, when, according to the rabbis in ancient times we stood at Mt. Sinai and God gave us Torah, our holy texts.
The practice of counting is ancient; beginning with the biblical commandment to cut the first sheaf of barley and ending at Shavuot when we offer bread from the wheat harvest. From the 16th century, mystics began incorporating a journey of spiritual refinement into the counting. During the counting, there are also important 20th century events on the Jewish calendar that commemorate the horrors of the Holocaust and the founding of the State of Israel. This practice seems more important and challenging to maintain when we consider current events.
I know I am not alone in this, as Archbishops, The US born Pope Leo XIV, imams, rabbis, and cantors call for peace. These spiritual leaders desire the safety of people throughout the world, praying and acting for the preservation of human rights for all people impacted by the war.
How does counting the Omer relate to the everyday?
Counting the Omer relates to my work as it helps me grow awareness and discernment of my actions, to make positive changes, and to allow the ripples of good to flow into the world. There are two ways I meditate on and reconcile significant dates and events with hope, peace, reconciliation, and healing while counting the Omer. One is reflecting on the work I do every day and second, knowing JFS employs people of all faiths and nationalities to assist Buffalonians. We do the work of helping immigrants and refugees and those in the community who reach out to us. JFS supports and cares for its clients, setting them on their feet with counseling, housing, food, and resources one needs to find stability and work.
Counting the Omer relates to my work as it helps me grow awareness and discernment of my actions, to make positive changes, and to allow the ripples of good to flow into the world.
Chesed: The first week's quality
A friend of one of my teachers, Rabbi Yael Levy, told her the counting, “guides us on a journey of the spirit, helping us cultivate awareness, discernment and gratitude.” When I write it is in the first week of Chesed, loving kindness. This is on our right arm. It is day four, Netzach within Chesed. We begin with love, says Rabbi Simon Jacobson, the most “powerful and necessary component in life. Love is the origin and foundation of all human interactions.” What is love to me, to you? How do we express our love? What about you? What are moments of love that speak to you? While love doesn’t answer all challenges, it lightens our load and that of others. It brings smiles and relief.
Love helps us endure. That’s Netzach, our left arm. Endurance. Decisive action and faith that we can overcome obstacles. Are you afraid in this time? How have you have prevailed before. What tools have you used to help you to endure? How is my love, yours, enduring? What helps me work at my relationships, love at the foundation? Am I a good friend and partner? You? There is an enduring nature of love, that remains after someone we love dies. Their memories and stories may carry us forward. Perhaps, in reflecting on these questions, you might take part in counting the Omer, even just for one day.
Enduring love in these times feels essential to our well-being. May you be able to make the decisions that will bring to the forefront that essence of life for you to thrive. May you find enduring love in yourself, your heart, body, mind, soul. May you have and find friends and community to help you through this time with faith and confidence. Together, may we build strong foundations and create enduring love in our homes, institutions, and in our world. Let us breathe love into all we do so there is no one who needs to believe solving problems with war and hatred is the answer. Let us continue to work, pray, and act in ways that ensure enduring love will prevail and be the answer.
– Rabbi Yonina
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Citations:
Rabbi Jill Hammer. Omer Calendar of Biblical Women. Ayin Press: Brooklyn, NY, 2024.
Rabbi Simon Jacobson. A Spiritual Guide to The Counting of the Omer: Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement According to the Jewish Tradition. Vaad Hanochos Hatmimim: Brooklyn, NY, 1999.
Rabbi Yael Levy. Journey through the Wilderness: A Mindfulness Approach to the Ancient Jewish Practice of Counting the Omer. A Way In: Philadelphia, 2017.