![]() And stretching out on the graves of the dead in hope of infusing some of their spirit. ![]() There are a couple of different stories, but suffice to say, Lag B’Omer involves famous rabbis and traditions which stand in stark opposition to Jesus. You can read more about the history here, but basically, it’s not biblical. And why are we pausing on the 33rd day? Well that’s where it starts getting grievous. Lag B’Omer refers to the 33rd day out of the 50 days of Counting the Omer. And what is this “omer” business? It’s a measure of grain. ![]() This counting is supposed to all point towards and lead up to the Sunday of Pentecost, from the Greek word for 50 (pente), after counting 50 days. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:15-16) You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. “You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. God’s people have been doing this counting business at this time of year since God commanded it in the Torah: Between Firstfruits (the day after the Shabbat after Passover) up to the Feast of Weeks, Shavuot, we count fifty days, or seven weeks. The day of Lag B’Omer marks a point in the season of “Counting of the Omer”. But let’s explore what it is, how it all started, and what believers can make of it today. Every year, bonfires are lit up and down the country and thousands gather to celebrate by the grave of a Kabbalistic rabbi on the eve of Lag B’Omer. Damning words from a Jewish publication, but that is what it is. The Spirituality Committee thanks Rabbi Sam Trief for her leadership in identifying this resource, and to our colleagues and friends at Central Synagogue in New York City for providing permission for us to share it.An article in the Jerusalem Post described Lag B’Omer as, “The springtime holiday that became a celebration upon a grave”. Today is the_ day, which is _ weeks and_ days of the Omer. Thus, one should recite the blessing, followed by the counting of the day, after sunset. If you like, you can say the following blessing each day as you engage in the ritual of counting the Omer. It is customary to count the new day of the Omer at sunset (similar to other Jewish holidays, this time period is marked on the lunar, Hebrew calendar). Click on links below to find 49 daily reflections, grouped into themes for 7 weeks: Curiosity, Humility, Honor, Patience, Equanimity, Silence, and Truth. Try this guide to help you partake in the practice of Counting the Omer, on whatever level feels appropriate. Could a bit of spiritual reflection help? Especially as we await COVID vaccinations and a return to “normal,” maybe you’re facing loneliness, confusion, or even frustration and exhaustion. We are given yet another opportunity to recount, reconsider, and elevate our spiritual life. On that 50th day (May 16, this year), the Festival of Shavuot, marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, begins. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week – 50 days” (Leviticus 23:15-16). Starting on that day (March 28, this year), the Torah instructs: “you shall count off seven weeks. What’s an omer? An ancient measure for grain, an omer (sheaf) was an offering brought to the ancient Temple on the second day of Passover. Like the Israelite’s journey through the desert, this too is a time to continue our path of personal and spiritual growth. As Passover concludes, with its familiar stories and Seder rituals, next on our Hebrew calendar is Counting the Omer.
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