Today’s learning is dedicated to the refuah sheleima of Simcha Nosson ben Zissel.

The forty-nine days of the omer period correspond to the forty-nine gates of repentance, and these in turn correspond to the forty-nine letters in the Hebrew names of the Twelve Tribes. Through these letters and gates, we must make our return to Hashem. The festival of Shavuos is the fiftieth gate… when Hashem returns to us in compassion.   —   Lekutey Eitzos, Sefirah # 3

As we discussed in the previous post, the omer period is a time for engaging in specific character-building exercises based on the sefirah of the day. Each day of the omer, we are expected to rectify and refine our thoughts and behaviors. As the Arizal writes, “It is good for a person to have intention during these forty-nine days to repair every sin within each of the seven sefiros.”

As the prayer states, “May it be Your will, Hashem… that in the merit of the Omer Count that I have counted today, may there be corrected whatever blemish I have caused in the sefirah (insert the appropriate sefirah; e.g. Netzach she’BeGevurah).”

The Ramban compares the omer period to a Chol HaMoed (intermediary days) between Pesach and Shavuos. The sefirah process guides us through Pesach and prepares us for Shavuos.

Pesach represents our Exodus from Egypt. At that time, the Jewish people were at their lowest spiritual level; the 49th gate of impurity. We were spared, not because of our merits but rather, because of Hashem’s infinite mercy.  

The purpose of the Exodus was for us to receive the Torah. But before we were worthy of receiving the Torah, we journeyed through the desert experiencing incredible tests and challenges along the way. There were many ups and downs, many highs and lows. We were not always successful but ultimately, we merited to witness incredible wonders when we received the Torah at Sinai.

Each year, we receive the Torah on Shavuos. But first, we must prepare ourselves. Throughout the year, we may stumble, but during the forty-nine days of sefirah, we begin to return to Hashem, rising one level at a time, one day at a time. At the end of this process, we are prepared to receive the Torah on Shavuos.

As the Sefer HaChinuch explains, these days of counting demonstrate our enthusiasm to reach this special day.

The days of the omer were given to the Jewish nation as a gift, an opportunity. The Chiddushei HaRim teaches that each day of the omer comes with Divine assistance to assist us in reaching new heights, levels that would otherwise remain unattainable. 

Typically, when we look forward to an event, we count down towards it. But for the omer, we increase our count each day. Rabbi Moshe Korminick teaches that this is to demonstrate how each day is precious and each day is an accomplishment. Each day is something to be proud of.

This can be compared to overcoming an addiction. Each passing day without a relapse is another achievement, another milestone; one that deserves to be recognized and cherished.

Counting the omer provides us with a systematic approach for improving our thoughts and actions. We’ve previously quoted Rebbe Nachman who teaches that self-improvement should never be rushed, lest one become overwhelmed. As Rabbi Shlomo ibn Gabirol (1021-1058) said, “The fruit of haste is regret.” By focusing on one item each day, our goals become realistic and manageable.

Rebbe Nachman teaches that it is best to serve Hashem with complete simplicity, without any sophistication. Similarly, when asked what thoughts one should have when counting the omer, Rav Moshe Sternbuch answered simply, “How am I better today than I was yesterday?”

Lastly, we will inevitably face setbacks along the way and it’s important that we never compare our success to the success of others. Regarding the omer, the verse states, “And you should count for yourself…” Reb Noson points out that the verse specifically says, “for yourself” because no two people are alike, and no two people can be compared.

We must remember that every effort is precious, every small action in the right direction is treasured by Hashem. As the Chovos HaLevavos writes, “Nothing that you do for Hashem should seem inconsequential in your eyes. Even a single word, or a look, which seems insignificant to you is worth plenty in the eyes of Hashem.”

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