Rabbi Howard Morrison

On the second night of Pesach, we began to count the 49 days of the Omer. This seven week daily counting unites Pesach and Shavuot. The planting of the Spring harvest becomes connected with the ripening of the first fruits. The Festival of freedom becomes connected with the giving of the Torah.

Originally, a time of great joy, sadness entered this season with the tragedies of the Bar Kochba revolt, medieval episodes of Jew-hatred, the Shoah, and more. Thus, many Jews refrain from weddings and even haircuts for much of this season.

In our time, the tragic events of October 7th and the acts of hatred targeted against Jews world-wide intensify the semi-mourning of the Omer period.

As we count each day, may we make each day count in terms of celebrating joy, grieving over loss, and refining ourselves spiritually and morally at this time of year.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Howard Morrison