This week we begin reading the book of Bamidbar or Numbers in the Torah.  The second verse of the portion includes God’s commandment to Moses to count the number of families traveling in the desert.  The medieval, French commentator, Rashi tells us that God wished to count the children of Israel often because we are so dear to Him.  With each counting, God was able to acknowledge each person or family. Perhaps this is similar to a teacher constantly counting children on a field trip.  The teacher looks to each child with care and makes sure no one is missing.

This Saturday night, we will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot.  We have been counting every day from Passover to Shavuot.  Tonight we will count the last day and celebrate Shavuot the next night.  

My family and I have the practice of counting the Omer together with my oldest son, Doron.  We come together, sing a paragraph stating we are ready to observe the mitzvah, we say the blessing, announce the day of the Omer and how many weeks and days of the Omer it is.  We then sing Shema together and it is bedtime for Doron.  This ritual of taking a few moments to acknowledge that a day has gone by and we are one day closer to receiving Torah has been extremely meaningful to me and my family.  Each night, this serves as a moment to pause and reflect on the day together.  We are saying that today counts.  Whatever we did, whatever has been left undone, was today.  We can pick up tomorrow and continue.  For now, we reflect and enjoy the time together.

In the Torah, I see God’s commandment to Moses to count the families in the wilderness as very similar to us counting each day of the Omer.  In both cases, each family is acknowledged as its own entity with strengths and limits.  Each one is given its moment of acknowledgment.  

On this Shabbat before Shavuot, take a moment, recount what you have done, how you have survived or how you have thrived since Passover.  Then look to your friends and family, acknowledge them.  Notice who they are as individuals and as a member of your biological or extended family.  Each day and each person counts.  

Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Metz

Kabbalat Shabbat Services – Friday, May 18^th 8 pm

 There will be no Shabbat Morning Services on Saturday, May 19^th 

Celebrate Shavuot with Mahjong!  this Sunday, May 20^th 1:30 – 4 pm

Category : Omer Rabbi Rabbi's Journal Shavuot