The common question arises: Why do we count upwards towards Shavuos instead of downwards, eagerly anticipating the moment we reach the pinnacle of our journey? Rav Shimshon Pincus offers insight through a teaching from Rav Aharon Kotler. Rav Aharon poses a thought-provoking question regarding Yaakov’s experience waiting seven years to marry Rachel. Surprisingly, the Torah describes these years as passing quickly for him, contrary to what one might expect. Rav Aharon explains that Yaakov was not merely enduring the wait; rather, he was preparing for the foundation of the Jewish people.
Rav Shimshon further elucidates this concept with a metaphor. Consider a person promised one million dollars after a hundred days. In one scenario, the person receives the entire sum after the wait, which feels long and empty. In another, the person receives a thousand dollars daily, making each day significant and fulfilling, as they approach their goal. Similarly, a bride and groom, amid wedding preparations, eagerly anticipate their big day. Yet, as the preparations conclude and waiting ensues, time seems to drag on.
Likewise, S’firas HaOmer represents days of growth and preparation, transitioning from liberation to readiness for Torah acceptance. Each day is an opportunity for personal refinement, focusing on character traits (midos) such as kindness (chesed), strength (g’vurah), and harmony (tiferes). The Torah’s transformative power requires active participation, with each day bringing progress and fulfillment.
By engaging in the counting of the Omer, we embrace the journey, finding joy and purpose in each day’s growth. Conversely, idleness leads to a sense of stagnation and embarrassment, akin to standing under the wedding canopy without appropriate attire. Therefore, let us seize each day of the Omer, not as a countdown, but as a celebration of progress and anticipation of the Torah’s revelation.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
David ben Liza Leah
Shmaryahu ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Yisrael ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Zhenya ben Zoya
Zoya bas Rachel Raya
Zhanna bas Zoya
Chayah Adelya Hagilo bas Rachel
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Eden Libi bas Chanah
Orli Danielle bas Chanah
Nancy Elisheva Sarah bas Roza
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Yehoshua ben Aliza Esther
Menachem ben Aliza Esther
Gavriel Efraim ben Chanah Yafah
Netantel Akiva ben Chanah Yafah
Yonasan Ezra ben Chanah Yafah
Chaim Aba Menachem ben Naomi Baila
Daniel Moshe ben Devorah
Gavriel Yehudah ben Yaakov
Shmuel ben Aharon
Moshe ben Shoshanah Esther
Yehoshua ben Tzvi
Dvir Moshe ben Dinah
Oriel ben Dinah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
