From the second Seder our traditional focus turns from celebrating freedom to counting the Omer each day for 49 days until we reach Shavuot at which time we celebrate the anniversary of our receipt of the Torah.  The question is posed as to why we did not receive the Torah as soon as we left Egypt.  One answer is that our ancestors simply were not ready to receive it at that moment; they were, for all intents and purposes, still slaves, with slave mentalities.  It was better to allow some separation from Egypt before bestowing a gift of such importance. 

 

Waiting to put some time and distance between slavery and the receipt of Torah is a nice thought, but why count the Omer each day?  Answering this question is a bit more challenging.  One answer is that it forces us to check in with ourselves every day for at leas the few minutes it takes us to say: "Today is the XX day in the counting of the Omer."  Thus, by force of the ritual, we can consider what kind of day it was and, perhaps, think about our hopes for the next day.  Another reason may be that to receive the whole Torah in one day would be too much stimulation.   By counting down for 49 days, we receive a little piece of the Torah each day that we count.

 

Whatever the reasons may be for counting, it provides us with a good time to reflect a bit on our JCC community.  Through this past winter, we continued to have  Friday night services every week. Recently we even had some 33 folks join us.  This is more than many mainland synagogues get on Friday evening.  We have been studying Torah every Saturday morning for almost 5 years.  We have had a minyan every Shabbat morning. The ability to learn, pray, and schmooze and snack together has enabled us, not only to learn new things, but also to know each other better.  New faces show and we welcome them with open arms and hearts.

 

We had wonderful attendance both on the evening of Purim and on Purim day. With the Megillah being chanted by me, and Aaron and Zach Lombardi.

 

We had a Festive Seder, in a beautifully decorated social hall, with participation from almost all present.

 

I have visited with congregants who have been ill and prayed for those who could not be visited. 

 

This summer we will have a plethora of activities that will keep us busy and smiling through the beautiful days we get to spend on our gorgeous little piece of Heaven.  My own classes will be interesting. I will be teaching a Jewish Ethics class and a Jewish wisdom class.  I would love to do a learners minyan (to teach about our prayers and how to pray) if anyone has an interest.

 

Any way you count it, we are a vibrant and lucky community.  Let's use the Omer time to count our blessings and to add to our blessings!  If there is something you would like to discuss with me, ask me, or comment to me, or if there is something that you would like to see happen, please feel free to reach out to me. 

 

Shabbat Shalom - Rabbi Michael S. Jay