Shalom L’Kulam!
As we are in the month of Iyyar, one of our obligations is the performance of the mitzvah of sefirat ha’omer, counting of the Omer.
The counting of the Omer will culminate with the celebration of Shavuot on the 6th of Sivan (May 30 to June 1).
Precious life moments become itemized “to-do’s” on a mental checklist and our schedules becomes a whirlwind of one thing after another.
The blessing for the omer is as follows: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to count the Omer.”
We also publicly announce what day of the Omer count we are on.
I find this incredibly beautiful. Why? Because we live such hectic lives.
The introduction of even more efficient forms of technology such as tablets, iPhones, laptops, apps and more, I would argue, has not decreased our workload but rather sped things up so that our employers, organizations, friends and families can give us even more duties and responsibilities.
The simple act of counting the Omer reminds us that every day is unique, special and valuable in its own right.
The result is that precious life moments become itemized “to-do’s” on a mental checklist and our schedules becomes a whirlwind of one thing after another. We lose track of time and significance. Living becomes a chore, a set of tasks.
The simple act of counting the Omer reminds us that every day is unique, special and valuable in its own right.
Sefirat ha’omer reminds us to slow down and to stay grounded, thereby enjoying all that life has to offer.
Kol Tuv,
Rabbi Aaron
Student Rabbi Aaron Rozovsky will serve UHC Terre Haute throughout the 2016-17 academic year.
Photo credit: Rasbak
