In this season just following Passover, our tradition invites us to embark on a spiritual journey of finding meaning through the counting of the Omer. Each day for the 49 days between the start of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot, we are instructed to make an offering. According to our Torah, this offering was to be an Omer (a specific measurement) of barley. Today, this period of time calls upon us to find our own source of Omer.
We are reminded that each of us has the potential to offer something new to the world every day – to impact another person, to stand up for those who need defending, to advocate for our core values. At this time of year, we strive to do so consciously, not letting a day go by where we have failed to bring some kind of intentional offering of ourselves.
While we impact our world, we are also reminded that the barley that was offered in ancient times was not of us but of the earth. Part of the Omer involves recognition of the gifts that this world has to offer us. During this period, let us seek out moments of appreciation for the world in which we live. Let us take time to note and find those elements of our lives that we might take for granted and spend a few moments in gratitude. Doing so might just offer us the perspective we need to positively and intentionally impact our world.
In light of this time of year also bringing Yom HaShoah – our day of Holocaust Remembrance – we must be reminded the importance of making each moment count. By living out this Omer message, we declare to the world and to our ancestors that despite the best attempts of those who tried to wipe out our people, we are still here striving for tikkun olam, the repair of our world, according to our Jewish values.
Today is the 13th day of the Omer.
· How will I make it different from the previous days?
· What will I offer to the world on this day?
· What offering does the world have for me?
If we can find positive answers to each of these questions today and every day of the Omer, our world will be transformed and lifted up.
- Rabbi Ari N. Margolis
Omer 5772
One way to make an immediate offering to our world is to join with us in opposition to the proposed marriage amendment to the NC State Constitution. Be sure to vote on or before May 8th. Talk about it to friends and neighbors. For more ideas on how to advocate, visit www.equalitync.org
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