Congregation Beth Shalom

May 4, 2021 – 18 Iyar, 5781 News and Schmooze

Shalom, Beth Shalom and Friends:

We count the days between Passover, the celebration of freedom, and Shavuot, the celebration of receiving the Torah. Called the Omer, this seven week period in which we count ascending numbers from day one to forty-nine was a joyful time in the Bible as the seasons unfolded and crops harvested. The joyful time period was further enhanced by a spiritual excitement, in anticipation of the historical and contemporary embracing of Torah and Judaism.

In the first century, though, the uplifting Omer was shattered by a plague in the academy of the famous sage, Rabbi Akiva. Thousands of students died during that pandemic which finally ended on Lag B’omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. To recall this tragedy, an aura of sadness pervades the first four weeks of the Omer and the custom is to not hold weddings or big celebrations. On Lag B’omer, this past Friday, Jewish communities rejoiced. This year tragedy fell on Lag B’omer with the worst civilian loss of life in Israel when large crowds gathered for a huge Lag B’omer celebration at Mt Meron in northern Israel. Our hearts go out to Israel and the families in mourning.

We count the days from festival to festival as did our ancestors with the advantage of knowing what is coming: the giving of Torah. Even though they did not know what was to be after the seven weeks, we can imagine the emotional tumult they experienced including gratitude for freedom, fear of the desert, uncertainty of the unknown, and concern about the future. The Israelites knew the ups and downs of life’s journey.

The Covid pandemic is easing its stronghold and we are happily beginning to feel the promise of its end. Yet, we still witness some parts of the world struggling with its impact and are dealing with its devastation.

Life is filled with the expanse of joyful and sorrowful moments and we never know whether tomorrow brings pain or blessing. Perhaps, the wisdom tradition Judaism offers is, counting the Omer, reciting a blessing, each day, to sensitize us to the preciousness of our lives as we take one step at a time. Let’s embrace Judaism’s invaluable lessons by counting our days and infusing our moments with meaning and kindness leading towards better times.

Shalom u’Veracha - Peace and Blessings.

Rabbi Mark Kula