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- Sefirat Haomer
- The Meaning Sefirat Ha'omer
These words in our Sedra describe the Sefirat Ha-Omer ritual which is currently underway; it began on Pesach & concludes on Shavuot. This is quite an unusual Mitzva, this series of counting, a practice that historically started on a celebratory note, but which has become tinged with sadness, as we mourn the loss of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students – who died during this same period - & observe semi-mourning practices in their memory.
One of the more perplexing aspects of the Omer relates to the rules of counting. Traditionally, the rabbi or the shaliach tzibbur counts first, with a bracha, we all answer "Amen," then each of us counts individually with our own bracha. But why isn’t it sufficient to be yotze with the leader’s rendition, as we do for Kiddush & other prayers?
Furthermore, the halacha says that if we forget to count on any one night, then we cannot continue counting with a bracha (tho we do continue without saying the bracha). This is because the 49 days of counting are one "set."
But if they are a set, then why don’t we just make one bracha at the beginning of the count, on the first night, & then say a closing bracha on the last night? Why are there 49 separate brachot recited?!
And if you counter that each bracha is self-contained & a mitzvah in & of itself, then why do I forfeit my bracha on day 29 just because I forgot day 28?! Make up your mind, please: is this an individual, or a communal Mitzva?
The answer, of course, is "Yes; they are both!" We count as individuals, but within the greater majority. We learn this from the two seemingly contradictory words in the pasuk above: Lachem, for you, i.e. individually; & T’mimot, complete, i.e. one ongoing comprehensive package encompassing the entire 49-day period.
That is the law, the rules, unusual as they may be. But there is also a beautiful philosophy behind them. Judaism recognizes the uniqueness of every single person; none of us was created "by accident," we each have our own strengths & abilities, something special that Hashem chose to bestow upon us & only us.
But, at the same time, we are part of a greater entity, the entire body of Am Yisrael, & we must bring our talents to the community & to the world. When "me" becomes "we," we truly count &, in turn, are counted upon.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
