From the second night of Passover until Shavuot, Jewish tradition guides us to count the Omer. This ancient practice, counting each day for seven weeks, hearkens back to preparing for the Pilgrimage Festival of Shavuot on the 50th day of the counting and spiritually preparing for the revelation of Torah that traditionally is said to have occurred on Shavuot. Our sages recognized that leaving Egypt was essential to our ability to see clearly enough to recognize the eternal teachings of Torah. First we had to be freed from shackles, and only then could those irons be freed from our hearts.

There are several ways to be reminded of counting the Omer, such as http://urj.org/holidays/baomer/omer/ on the Reform movement's Web site. The Omer counting is also linked to the lower 7 of the Sephirot, the attributes of G-d as taught by the Jewish mystics. It is a very meaningful process to follow the guidance of these teachings.

Because of the spiritual preparation leading up to Shavuot, as well as a lesson about a plague affecting the students of Rabbi Akiba during this season, Jews traditionally refrain from attending concerts, getting their hair cut, or getting married. Only on the 33rd day, called Lag B'Omer, are the restrictions lifted. In Israel, it is quite common to have a wedding on this day, as well as outdoor gatherings with bonfire and song. This year, the Federation's Jewish Heritage festival on May 2nd at the Capitol will feature a performance by Matisyahu.

As we begin the counting, we hope that your Pesach week is meaningful. The discipline of refraining from leavened foods is mirrored in this week's Torah portion, Shemini, as well. In Leviticus Chapter 11, we are introduced to the animals considered traif (torn) or kosher (correct) for Jewish consumption. While some believe that the kosher laws were instituted purely for health reasons, others find them meaningful today as a path toward spiritual development through restraint as well as Jewish identification.

This year in both Religious Practices and through our fall Responsa course, we have delved into the conversation regarding kashrut for progressive Jews, as well as the new notion of "keeping eco-kosher.” Eco-kosher refers to a consciousness around food in terms of pesticides, treatment of those who harvest the produce, and the treatment of the animals who are either slaughtered or raised for their eggs.

Counting the Omer brings a sense of daily intentionality and a building of anticipation to Shavuot, the great holiday of receiving Torah. Eating protein, fresh produce, and a little matzah this week keeps us aware of our Exodus from Egypt. Parashat Shemini asks us its annual questions about the food that we eat. Taken all together, we raise our consciousness as we count our days and consider our actions.

With blessings to all as we walk these seasons together,

Shalom,

Rabbis Nancy and David