by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
We are in the season of counting — s’firat ha-omer — this time between Passover and Shavuot, between our Redemption at the Sea and the purpose of that Redemption: Torah, the teachings of our tradition that point us to meaning, compassion, justice, and tikkun (repair).
Our tradition during this time is to count the seven week interval between these two festivals.
There is a Psalm that points us to the deeper meaning of this act:
:לִמְנ֣וֹת יָ֭מֵינוּ כֵּ֣ן הוֹדַ֑ע וְ֝נָבִ֗א לְבַ֣ב חָכְמָֽה
“Teach us to count our days, that we may obtain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Here’s the secret: The point is not really about counting the days between Passover and Shavuot. We have calendars (and apps) that can help us with that. The point is about reflecting on how we can make our days count.
It’s about filling the time allotted us on this earth with meaning and purpose.
We are lucky to have a community in which to explore life’s meaning, a tradition filled with teachings that can show us the way, and a sacred calendar that helps us carve out time for this holy work. May it help us to make our days count so that we might be graced with לְבַ֣ב חָכְמָֽה — hearts of wisdom.
