For 49 days, we’ve counted the Omer and examined our spiritual selves. Happy Shavuot! – United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute

Starting on the second night of Passover, we began the period of the Counting of the Omer, which in Jewish tradition helps us with spiritual preparation for our next festival, Shavuot (when we celebrate Moses’s receiving the Law at Mount Sinai). This period represents the time between our liberation from slavery and our formation as a people in covenant with God. We count the Omer during the seven weeks (49 days) between Passover and Shavuot.

There are several customs associated with the Omer period. One of these is studying Pirke Avot (Portions of Our Fathers, which is a book contained in the Mishneh, part of Jewish oral tradition).

Pirke Avot presents ethical principles

Pirke Avot contains pithy sayings that help us think about how to be a better person each day. Some Jews have a custom of contemplating one of 48 specific qualities per day between Passover and Shavuot. For example, I write on the 22nd of Nisan, and for this day the quality to contemplate is modesty.

I could use today to think about what it means to live a life of modesty, based upon Jewish teachings (i.e., show deference to my teachers, my parents, God, or others). Tomorrow, the concept to contemplate is joy.

I could use today to think about what it means to live a life of modesty, based upon Jewish teachings (i.e., show deference to my teachers, my parents, God, or others). Tomorrow, the concept to contemplate is joy. The 48 qualities to contemplate are found in the last chapter of Pirke Avot.

What have we learned, and earned?

Counting the Omer offers us opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Each day of the Omer is not merely a tally but a chance to delve deeper into our spiritual selves, to assess our actions, and to strive for improvement. It is a time for us to cultivate attentive listening, a good heart, and pondering over what one has earned, among other things. We do all this as we anticipate the celebration of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

We do all this as we anticipate the celebration of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

May each day of the Omer be a step toward greater self-awareness and connection to our lives. And as we approach Shavuot, may our hearts and minds be open to receiving the wisdom and teachings of the Torah anew.

Thank you for an amazing Passover seder

I have fond memories of enjoying Shabbat HaGadol and the first night Passover seder with you at the Temple. So much energy filled the room on the seder evening, and the warm hospitality of the United Hebrew Congregation community was on full display. I especially enjoyed singing together and getting to share the delicious meal and conversations. Thanks to the amazing efforts of all who helped to organize this celebration.

Rabbi Jennifer Lewis will serve UHC Terre Haute during the 2024-25 academic year.

Photos

UHC played host to a first-night Passover seder in the Vestry Room at the Temple.