Omer Counting Journal

by Rabbi Shai Gluskin

Today is the 33rd day of the omer (May 10-11, 2001) also known as Lag BaOmer which is hod in hod:

Vision and reflection. Teaching and learning. Comfort with self. Leading by example.

In parenting it's that moment when you are about to yell at your child but manage to get a clear image of yourself. A deep breath leads to a short retreat as you pull together a different strategy.

For Moses this occurred after the death of Aaron's eldest sons Nadav and Avihu (Leviticus 10:16-20). Moses got angry when Aaron changed the sacrificial procedure.

Aaron said, "You want me to carry on as normal on a day when such has befallen me?!" Moses heard Aaron, really heard him. And it was good in Moses' eyes.

The gematria for hod hod is 30 which is equivalent to the Hebrew letter lamed which stands for both lilmod, learning, and lilamed, teaching.

This day of self containment is actually quite ideal to light a bonfire and shoot arrows, cut hair, and have weddings. The danger of revelry is mitigated when the forces of rootedness are being purified.

Shai Gluskin
E-mail me.