Counting the Omer – 5/18/24

Saturday, May 11, (after dark, the 26th day of the Omer)

Counting the Omer
Each Saturday (after sundown) for seven weeks, before we receive the Torah on Shavu’ot, we’ll email you the text of the blessing one says while counting the Omer. Along with it, a meditation written by clergy or fellow congregants.

The Prayer

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al s’firat haomer.

Praised be You, Adonai our God, who rules the universe, instilling within us the holiness of mitzvot by commanding us to count the Omer.

Today is the _______ day of the Omer.

Netzach
By Linda Riefberg

In this week’s Counting of the Omar, we are asked to explore the concept of Netzach, connoting eternity, endurance, fortitude, and ambition. The word derives from nitzachon, meaning victory over our fears and nitzchiut meaning eternity. Just as our ancestors had to endure their time in the desert before entry into the promised land, we too must endure much until we are in our good place. We need to overcome fears and to persevere despite obstacles.

We are living in a time period of conflict domestically and internationally. Our homeland of Israel has been under siege and the very essence of our Jewishness is being attacked in our own backyards and college campuses by those who have no recognition of the history and unfortunate familiarity to their antisemitism.

What must we do to declare victory over these forces? How do we keep our heads high and endure being made to feel alienated and disliked in our own country and beyond?

We have faith. We believe in whatever power that has created the universe will sustain us. We believe that there is more to this world than hatred, and that we forge bonds with each other in love, community and hopefulness. We believe in prayer not just for the sake of something that will occur out of our prayers, but because the prayers are an expression of our faith and our hope for the world. We pray for the goodness of humanity.

I believe in the decency of people. I often see the power that is created when we help one another. If we lean into our inherent humanity, we will endure. Whether that means feeding the hungry, clothing the homeless, visiting the sick, or connecting with the lonely, we all have the capability to make a difference in the world. Whether you are doing a little to aid a lot of people, or doing a lot to aid one person, you are making a difference in the world.

When I myself am facing angst, feel blinded by bleakness, I remember that I will get through it. And I do.  And for us as a people, we will also endure, because if we are wrapped in good intentions, and act out of a desire to help others with tikkun olam, and build and sustain a loving world, then we will survive. In every generation, Jews have had Netzach to get through negativity due to our strength, wisdom, love, kindness and faith. It is a blessing to feel part of a community that will collectively surpass all the obstacles and hatred confronting us with a response of caring, compassion, and faith.