Rabbi Simon Jacobson created a “Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer.” He offers 49 steps “to personal refinement” as a means of readying ourselves for the receiving of the Torah during Shavuot. Rabbi Jacobson writes, “Each day in time has a life of its own. A day is a unique energy flow waiting to be tapped and channeled into the fiber of man’s being.”
A Bisl Torah
Contagious
The Torah dislikes sloppiness, specifically, the lack of regard for others and oneself when it comes to how we choose to use our words. Tazria-Metzora lays out a framework of isolation and return when a person, clothing, or home develops some kind of disease. And the rabbis attribute this disease to spiritual malaise, primarily caused by using words that contribute to the spreading of gossip and lies.
Freedom in the Familiar?
If one reason why we refrain from chametz is to experience a hint of suffering, when do we begin to feel a sense of freedom?
So Much Matzah
While we know there are four questions during the Passover Seder, there seems to be a fifth over the course of the week: how many ways can matzah be eaten?
Check Your Pockets
We are in the final preparations for the holiday of Passover: The pantries cleaned, the refrigerator scoured, and the oven thoroughly inspected.
Lingering Chametz
As Pesach begins on a Saturday evening, Jewish laws surrounding the holiday are more confusing than usual. While we usually check for chametz on the evening prior to the Seder, this year, we will perform the ritual almost two days before Passover officially begins. Technically, while chametz will mostly be rid from our homes, we can eat chametz on Shabbat morning. This means that some chametz will remain and is even permissible after the formal “burning” on Friday morning.
Waiting Versus Walking
There is an odd dance we play: Waiting versus Walking. Think of the street light warnings; some patiently wait until it is safe to cross the street, looking both ways and looking yet again before timidly stepping onto the asphalt. Others walk—fast, sometimes quickly looking around, but mostly barreling into the street—reminding those around they should be the ones watching out for you.
Restraint is a Mitzvah, Too
After the incident of the golden calf, the children of Israel are anxious to reconcile with God. Their immediate inclination is to help build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, with as many beautiful items as possible. The Torah explains that each person’s heart was moved to give and give they did.
Purim People, Passover People
Some people are Purim People. They enjoy spontaneity. Purim people read the story, page by page, excitedly experiencing the twists and turns of each presented character. Likewise, in their own lives, Purim people find joy in the unexpected; the wonderment that accompanies surprise, not knowing who you might meet with each waking day. Purim people love noise, laughter, costumes, and silliness. These are people that can see the light of the sun even during the darkest of days.
Let the Costume Linger
The Jewish calendar beckons adults and children alike to start choosing their costumes. As Purim is around the corner, Amazon carts fill with masks, capes, wands, and crowns. Purim is a holiday of surprise, a reminder that what we expect might completely be upside down by the end of the night. It’s a holiday where for a few hours, you can choose to be anyone or anything.
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