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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?
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
